NELSON is the University's discovery platform. It allows users to search a wide range of library content, encompassing both subscribed and open-access materials, including journals, books, and videos. The newly integrated AI Research Assistant within NELSON enables users to submit prompts instead of traditional keywords.
Key Features
Natural Language Searching: Users can enter prompts or questions in everyday language, moving beyond traditional keyword searches. This makes the search process more intuitive.
Summarised top 5 Sources: The AI Research Assistant generates a succinct overview and lists the top five most relevant sources based on an analysis of its search results. Note that the sources listed may not be available in the library collections to access immediately.
Related Research Questions: The AI Research Assistant provides suggestions for further research questions that are similar or related to the initial prompt, helping users explore topics more broadly.
Multilingual Search: It supports searching in local languages, which can be particularly beneficial for international students. The sources will primarily be in English, but the overview will be in the language used in the search prompt.
No Follow-up Questions: While the AI Research Assistant does not allow for conversational follow-up questions, it offers alternative suggestions for refining or expanding the search.
Search Exclusions: There are content types that may be excluded from the AI Research Assistant's search, such as some print items, newspapers, and certain publishers. A detailed list of exceptions can be found on the Ex Libris-knowledge base.