Skip to Main Content

ASC / Pharmaceutical Science (T25): Google Scholar Tips

Beyond Library Resources

Depending on your topic, there are times when you may need to search beyond the Library's resources. Follow these tips to make the most of Google Scholar!

Google Scholar vs Library Databases

Google Scholar is Google's academic search engine that searches for scholarly articles. It can be a good place to start your search, but should not be the only place for your research!

Benefits of searching databases instead of Google Scholar include:

  • Retrieve manageable number of results, with ability to refine search
  • Results are limited to verified and scholarly content
  • Access to specialised resources and content. Google Scholar does not cover all of TP Library's collection, such as our specialist resources used by ASC e.g. Lexicomp Online, Medicines Complete and VetLexicon.

Linking Google Scholar to TP Library

The majority of journal articles in Google Scholar are available via subscription only and you will often be asked to pay a fee to access an article.

Before you search Google Scholar, you must link it to TP Library in the settings. By doing so, if the article you found in Google Scholar is available in TP, you will be brought to it instantly - for free!

1. Click the menu icon on the Google Scholar page.
2. Select settings.
3. Click Library links.

4. Type "Temasek Polytechnic" in the search box,

click the search icon,

select all the options as shown,

save your selection.

5. Now you're ready to search. In the search results, click on the "Findit@TP" link.

If TP Library has the article in our subscription, you will be taken to the full text article directly!

Important Points

What if there's no "Findit@TP" button, it does not work, or I can't access the full text article on Google Scholar for free?

While Google Scholar is quick and easy, it does not cover all of TP Library's collection. It is also possible that TP Library does not subscribe to that particular article.

First, try searching LibSearch and the individual databases to see if TP Library owns that title. 

If you're unable to find the article in TP Library as well, submit a Document Delivery request with your lecturer's support.

Is everything on Google Scholar "reliable"?

When using Google Scholar, it is very important to evaluate your search results before using them in your assignment. This is because not every article in Google Scholar is peer reviewed, verified or scholarly. 

You should always check if the content is good enough for your assignment using these criteria:

Currency: is the information up-to-date?

Relevance: will it help you complete the assignment?

Adequacy: is there enough information?

Reliability: is it believable? What are the qualifications of the author? Does the author have any relevant expertise in the subject?

Accuracy: is the information free from error?

Objectivity: is it factual and free from bias?