NELSON is a broad search tool that searches across multiple databases. You can use the traditional keyword search box or enter prompts in the AI Research Assistant.
When you search NELSON, it is a bit like searching Google for the Library. It searches across lots of different resources all at once. This can be useful at the start of your research, especially if you don't know which database to start with. NELSON will give you the link through to the database to access the full text.
The default setting for NELSON is full-text. However, if you use the Research Assistant, you will see content that you might not be able to access. A useful tip is to add 'Suggest resources I can access in full' at the end of your prompt.
Some data can only be accessed by searching the databases directly. For example, MarketLine, Mintel, Statista and the Legal databases (Westlaw and Lexis) are best searched independently of NELSON. The databases offer you a more focussed way of searching than via NELSON.