Search Using Everyday Natural Language
Natural Language Search (NLS) is an upcoming search mode in EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS) and EBSCOhost that uses AI to parse queries. It can be accessed with the other search modes on both interfaces.
Natural Language Search is meant to ease the stress of crafting the perfect search query for those not familiar with advanced research methods.
While advanced search remains the best way to craft advanced research queries, keyword searches oftentimes can benefit from additional contextual elements such as date, method, or geographic regions being added to the keyword search.
How It Works
Natural Language Search uses AI to better parse the query into keyword and noun phrases. By improving the parsing of the query, more contextual clues and users' intent can be honored.
After the Natural Language Search parses your query, the parsed query is then sent to the EBSCO search engine that performs the same relevancy ranking and other specialty search functionality as traditional search.
Natural Language Search can be turned on as the primary search mode or as a companion to more traditional search.
What Researchers Are Saying
Users have reported feeling more at ease in their search journey when using natural language.
Advanced researchers have indicated Natural Language Search helps them craft better search queries for disciplines they are less familiar with.
Undergraduate students have said it was easier to get quality search results using Natural Language Search.