DOWN 23 places in 2021

Google Scholar provides a simple way to search broadly for scholarly literature.

Website: scholar.google.com
Cost: Free
Availability: Online

Ranking on the 2021 sub-lists

Overall rankings in the previous 14 surveys: 2007-2020

Comments on Google Scholar in 2021

“A great way to find references for assignments or other projects.” Mark Allenby, Senior Lecturer in Social Work, UK

“Good for … keeping on top of researchI started working towards a Masters degree at the start of the first UK lockdown. Since then I’ve passed the first part and am on the final stretch – and I’ve not set foot in a library in all that time. It helps that I’m studying online and that I have access to a university library, but Google Scholar is simple to use and often yields the kinds of research I’m looking for.” Olivia Rowland, Learning Designer, UK

Previous comments

“Great for sourcing …everything! From tracking down academic work via Scholar to finding out who said that quote, to new resources.” Dawn Sillett, Learning & Development consultant and trainer, UK, 2020

“For me [Google is] usually the start of everything. Either using the front page, Google Scholar or talk to books search, as soon as I get the right question it’s an excellent way to start the curation process.” Conrado Schlochauer, Consultant/Speaker/Researcher, Brazil, 2020

“Search for scientific publications” College Professor, Spain, 2019

“As a researcher, I find this is an invaluable tool. The fact that you can also access an accurate citation of the sources is also very useful.” Lecturer, UK, 2019

“There I can find professional information about my university stuff – no “normal” Google stuff like informal newspaper articles or blogs, but just peer reviewed scientific articles and studies.” Student/HR Intern, Germany, 2019

Quick Guide to Google Scholar 

Here you will find some basic guidance and some links to resources on how to use Google Scholar for teaching, training, learning and development.