Google Scholar allows you to search scholarly literature across many disciplines and sources, not just a single database. One disadvantage of Google Scholar is that in the list of search results, there will be some articles that you may not be able to download. Another disadvantage is that not all of the search results will be peer-reviewed articles. Still, Google Scholar can be a useful tool as long as you are aware of its limitations.
You can link Google Scholar with JMU in order to access and download full-text articles which the JMU Libraries subscribes.
How to link Google Scholar to JMU's collections:
Step 1: Go to Google Scholar (https://scholar.google.com)
Step 2: Select Settings.
Step 3: Select Library Links. Type James Madison University into the box, and select the magnifying glass icon.
Step 4: Check the box next to James Madison University – Get JMU Access.
Step 5: Select Save. You must have cookies enabled to retain these settings in your browser, or use a personal Gmail account.
Step 6: Search for articles in Google Scholar. When you see an article that interests you, look at the right side of the screen to see if there’s an option for Get JMU Access. This will open a page with links to databases that provide access to the article for the JMU community.
Step 7: If the Libraries provides electronic access to the article you want through one of our databases, you will either be sent directly to the article, or to a screen with a list of databases that provide access.
If the screen says No Full-Text Available or No Results Were Found, select Interlibrary Loan (ILL). This will allow you to request an electronic copy of the article via the Interlibrary Loan Department. ILL borrowing is free for JMU students, staff, and faculty.