Student Guide to ChatGPT

This feature will be available in Library Search beginning on May 19, 2025.

What is the Search Assistant AI tool? (also known as Research Assistant)?
The Search Assistant AI tool in Primo VE is a generative AI tool that helps users explore academic topics using natural language questions. It analyzes search results from the Ex Libris Central Discovery Index (CDI) and presents a concise summary based on up to five relevant articles.

This tool is designed to make the research process more intuitive, especially for those unfamiliar with advanced search techniques.
*Users must be signed in to use Search Assistant AI.

What is it useful for?

• Formulating and refining research questions.
• Quickly identifying key sources on a topic.
• Getting a summarized overview of the current academic discussion.
• Discovering new search terms or directions for exploration.
• Reviewing sources with in-line citations linked to each summary.

What is it not useful for?

• Writing complete essays, literature reviews, or assignments.
• Replacing in-depth research or critical evaluation of sources.
• Providing detailed analysis beyond article metadata and abstracts.

What is not included in the search?
The Search Assistant AI tool pulls results from the Central Discovery Index (CDI), but not all databases are included. The following are excluded:

• APA PsycNet
• Elsevier (including ScienceDirect)
• JSTOR
• DataCite
• Conde Nast

Excluded content types:

• News sources (e.g., newspapers, newsletters)
• Retracted or withdrawn articles

As a result, important content may be omitted from Research Assistant summaries and should be supplemented with standard search strategies.

Accessing the Search Assistant AI tool:

1. Log in with your university credentials in Primo VE.
2. Click "Search Assistant AI" in the top navigation bar.
3. Enter your question in natural language (e.g., “What are the environmental impacts of urban green spaces?”).
4. Review the AI-generated summary and linked sources.
5. Click "View All Results" to explore additional resources.

Additional Information and Tips
For a full guide, tips on effective use, examples, and best practices, visit:
Getting Started with Primo Research Assistant from ExLibris (Search Assistant AI)