AI-Assisted Searching: Using AI in Search Strategy Development

Course description

Discover how generative AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot Agents and Custom GPTs can support the development of database search strategies for systematic and scoping reviews. In this course, you will gain a practical overview of AI-assisted database searching and learn how to use AI effectively to draft, refine and translate search strategies while maintaining transparency, reproducibility and research rigour.

The session will demonstrate how an AI knowledge base can be built to follow database-specific guidance, such as Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus and Web of Science. You will also learn how to review AI-generated search output, identify common issues, and understand when librarian advice is needed before finalising and running a search.

Type of course

Web conference

Presenters

Who should attend

Researchers and HDR students who are developing database search strategies for literature reviews, systematic reviews, scoping reviews or other structured evidence reviews.

What you will learn

• An introduction to AI-assisted searching and the role of AI in search strategy development
• How to construct a knowledge bases (aka Copilot Agents and OpenAI Custom GPT) can be used to guide AI output (A knowledge bases as handout will be provided for future use.)
• How to prompt AI tools to generate a workable first draft of a database search strategy
• How to review and refine AI-generated searches for keywords, subject headings, truncation, Boolean logic and database syntax
• Quick tips on how to test a search and assess sensitivity/specificity and noise in the results
• How AI can assist with translating a finalised search strategy between databases
• The importance of researcher judgement, transparent methods and librarian review before running final searches

Prerequisites / assumed knowledge

Basic experience with database searching, including subject headings, truncation, Boolean logic and database syntax. To learn more, visit Library’s Search Guides, on topics such as ‘Beyond the basics’, ‘Specialised searching’ and ‘Find specialised sources'.