Academic research is a time-consuming and complex endeavor so it is not surprising that AI is being used to create tools with the intent to make research more efficient. Keep in mind that quicker and easier does not necessarily equate to valid and accurate! We have explored some of the resources currently available and wanted to provide some information on their functionality, possible benefits, and limitations.
Research based tools use Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) which enhances the large language models by bringing in new information and optimizing output so that users know how that information was generated (e.g. adding citations).
(https://searchengineland.com/how-search-generative-experience-works-and-why-retrieval-augmented-generation-is-our-future-433393)
Please note that Oxy library is not recommending the use of any of the AI-based tools on this page. Please personally critically evaluate these sites/tools for validity and accuracy before using them. If you choose to use any of these tools, we do recommend that they be used only as a supplement to traditional validated scholarly databases. This list is not exhaustive as this is a rapidly advancing field. If there is a tool that you are curious about and want help with evaluating, then please reach out to us.
The main function of the following sites is to search for research articles and help with literature reviews however they may have other features such as article summarizers and features for answering questions about the articles. Caution is needed with these extra features as during our testing, we found some inaccuracies in the summaries and some incorrect citations when the tool was answering a question about the paper. Avoid any site where you can't figure out where they are getting their articles from. The resources listed below are currently best used as a supplement to traditional databases. In addition, the effectiveness and acccuracy of these tools is optimized if you know a little bit about your topic before you start your search so that you can evaluate if you are retrieving relevant material.
Free and no account creation needed:
Free version with upgrades requiring paid subscription:
Paid subscription required (may have a short free trial or a free option with very limited features):
The main function of these is to summarize articles and help you more easily find information in articles. Basically, you start by uploading a PDF of the article into the website and then you can ask questions about it and/or generate a summary of the paper. Some have additional features. Always double check the information contained in the summary before you use it in your own papers or research as during our testing, we found some inaccuracies in the summaries and some incorrect citations when the tool was answering a question about the paper.
Unlike traditional databases that Oxy library subscribes to, obtaining free full text using these tools may take some extra steps. If the article you found using an AI-based research tool does not have free full text available, then:
