Google Scholar is sort of like Google's version of our research databases in that it indexes scholarly content, making it easier to pick out than if you did a normal Google Search.
On the other hand, many results found through Google Scholar aren't available to read for free. (Fortunately, you can request paywalled articles from the library for free!)
| Google Scholar | ||
|---|---|---|
| # of results | 896,000 results (fewer) | 161,000,000 results (lots) |
| What kind of results | Scholarly articles written by experts and formally published by mostly reputable entities | "Popular" articles from regular websites - news, blogs, magazines, etc with all degrees of credibility (or lack thereof) |
| Can you read it? | Full-text may or may not be available; odds are good you'll run into paywalls | Full-text of web articles generally available |
Google Scholar can only provide access to articles that have been freely posted online. However, you can also tell it to look for full-text available through Lone Star College!
Please keep in mind that Google customizes search results based on your previous searches, changes in its interface, and also tweaks its search algorithms and search commands periodically. Examine your choices carefully. Credibility is not the highest priority.
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