Smart Search is enabled by default on Web of Science. Smart Search is a Natural Language Powered (NPL) search tool that analyses the query to identify key entities like author names, topics or research IDs.
Smart Search will display when you are successfully authenticated with your Queen's University Belfast credentials to Web of Science. Using the relevant library link for Web of Science will ensure you are properly authenticated. Our library links direct to Advanced Search setting, you need to select Smart Search option on left. Smart Search is a single search box and can be switched off using the toggle located on the top right of the Web of Science platform.
Smart Search will interpret your query and automatically constructs a Boolean search (with AND, NOT, OR) and a semantic contextual search. You have the option to merge the dual searches or display ‘Boolean’ or ‘Semantic’ searches only. Retrieved results are split into two tabs ‘Documents’ which includes relevant papers and articles and ‘Researchers’ which consists of author profiles and related works.
You can revert to classic Web of Science search by toggling off Smart Search. However, Smart Search will automatically reactivate at the start of each new session even after being turned off.