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Ask a Librarian: Google Search tutorials

Google web search

Google Web Search

Here are tips for how to Search on Google. 

Google pages for advanced search, videos, and images are linked below:

Website Evaluation Tools

Think carefully about the sources you are finding and using. Here are some tools that can help:

C for Currency

Currency - How recent is the information?

R for Reliability

Reliability - What kind of information is included in the resource? Is it balanced? Does the creator provide references or sources for data or quotations?

A for Authority

Authority - Who is the creator or author? Who is the publisher or sponsor? What is the author's or publisher's interest (if any) in this information?

A for Accuracy

Accuracy - Is the content readable? Is the content truthful? Is the content correct?

P for Purpose/Point of View

  • Purpose/Point of View - Is this fact or opinion? Is the creator/author trying to sell you something; persuade you about something?

Google Scholar

Google Scholar Search

Google Scholar searches academic publishers, professional societies and pre-print archives. Note: Access may be limited.

Warning! Fake Citations May Appear in Google Scholar

With the rise of Artificial Intelligence, there have been instances of fake citations in Google Scholar. Don’t cite an article if you haven’t read it. (May 2025)

Set up Google Scholar on your device for Full Text @ HCCFL

Google Scholar can link to full-text articles within many of your library's subscription databases. 

  • While on campus, "Full Text @ HCCFL" links will display automatically in a list of Google Scholar search results.
  • After clicking on the "Full Text @ HCCFL" link, if it asks you to log-in use your NetID information or go to the HCC Libraries HCC ID Help page. 
  • After logging in you will be connected to the full text article.

Will it work from my home computer?

Yes! If you are using Google Scholar off campus, then you will need to set it up to show library access links for Hillsborough Community College - Full Text @ HCCFL. Follow these instructions if you wish to use Google Scholar at home or on your own device. You will need a google account. 

Visit http://scholar.google.com. Log-in to your Google account:

  1. Click on the menu (or "hamburger") icon and select Settings

  2. Select "Library Links"

  3. Search for Hillsborough Community college. You can also include Florida Electronic Library and WorldCat if they show up for your search.

  4. Don't forget to click on the Save button.

Will it work with other libraries, like, after I leave HCC?

You can use this method at any time to add other libraries, for example the public library or a university, where you are a member or have access to their electronic resources.