4 Google Scholar Alternatives to Find Educational Material

Google Scholar is typically for students or anyone else looking for scholarly material. The popularly used search tool is useful for finding educational material. But, you might need more options when you’re researching a specific topic.

Google Scholar does not have to be the be-all and end-all for your research. Other search tools could provide you with the flexibility of more options.

Here, we'll look at four alternative search tools, where you can find articles, textbooks, and other forms of educational material.

1. Microsoft Academic

Microsoft Academic is a free search tool created by Microsoft Research. After the disappointing version that was launched in 2012, Microsoft Academic managed to recover after launching a second version in 2016. Since then, stiff competition has risen between Google Scholar and Microsoft Academic.

Microsoft Academic performs beyond a basic keyword search. It uses semantic search tools, which allow you to enjoy a better user experience.

Semantic search is a search method that examines more than just keywords. It analyzes the meaning behind the words and phrases you use, allowing you to search for any journal, topic, author, etc.

2. Semantic Scholar

Semantic Scholar was founded by the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence. If you’re searching for scientific literature, this search tool is perfect for you. But, Semantic Scholar is not strictly limited to science. Similarly to Google Scholar, you can filter your search to a particular date or publication type.

If you’ve ever wondered, how AI can help you search better, Semantic Scholar makes your search process easier through machine learning and natural language processing, which give you the relevant results you need.

Semantic Scholar is especially good for saving your time. Finding the most relevant information among the vast years of research can be difficult. This tool simplifies the research process by providing a concise summary of articles on the results page.

3. Science.gov

If you’re looking for a search tool that provides relevant scientific research, Science.gov is an excellent choice. The science-based search tool helps you browse over 60 databases, 2200 websites, and 200 million pages of U.S. government science information.

Science.gov aims to enhance technical and scientific literacy by providing a variety of free resources. You can access free manuscripts, reports, journal articles, and research funded and backed by federal agencies.

The website offers free access to information, and you do not have to sign up to use it. All you need to do is enter a keyword search, and you’re good to go.

If you’re a graduate or an undergraduate student, you can find information about federal government opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM).

4. ResearchGate

ResearchGate serves as a combination of a search tool, networking platform, and social media site. The site is a leading search tool for academic information within the scientific field. With over 135 million pages for you to access, you’ll most likely find relevant educational material for your research.

This search tool not only provides ample options for your research, but you can also collaborate with your peers in the scientific community. In addition, you get to connect with industry professionals to get a head start in your career.

Find Unusual Research Tools

The above-mentioned alternatives are all valuable tools. Some online tools are effective for all fields of research, while other tools have niched to a specific field. By using more than one search engine, you’ll have more options to choose from, which will help you improve your research.

Academic search engines aren’t the only tools to use for your research. While it might seem unusual, you can also use social media platforms for research.