Getting Started with Primo Research Assistant in CavsSEARCH
Answer
Answer:
Primo Research Assistant is an AI-powered feature in CavsSEARCH that helps you begin your research by answering academic questions in natural language. It searches the library’s Central Discovery Index (CDI) and returns a concise overview based on the top five most relevant articles.
How It Works
Primo Research Assistant uses a process called Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG):
- Your question is converted into a Boolean search query.
- Up to 30 results are retrieved from CDI.
- The top five most relevant sources are selected using AI.
- A readable overview is generated with inline citations.
- You receive the summary and links to full articles for deeper exploration.
How to Access It in CavsSEARCH
You must be signed in to use Primo Research Assistant.
- Main Menu: Click the Primo Research Assistant icon.
- Brief Results Page: Use the widget on the right side to ask a question.
Tips for Asking Good Questions
To get the best results:
- Ask clear, specific questions.
- Use academic or research-focused language.
- Phrase your query as a complete question.
Examples by Subject Area:
- Health Sciences: What are the long-term effects of untreated hypertension in older adults?
- Counseling: How does trauma-informed care improve outcomes in school counseling?
- Business: What are the key factors influencing consumer trust in online banking platforms?
💡 Follow-up questions are not supported. Each question must be self-contained.
What You’ll See in the Response
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Overview: Summary of the top five sources with inline references.
- Sources Panel: Citations and abstracts of each article.
- Actions: Download PDF, view full text, or open full record in CavsSEARCH.
- View More Results: Opens a full search in CavsSEARCH.
Limitations and Scope
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Only CDI-indexed content is used.
- Some content providers (e.g., JSTOR, Elsevier) are excluded.
- News articles and withdrawn/retracted documents are not included.
- The overview may not use all five sources, but all are listed.
Privacy and AI Use
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Your data is not stored or used to train AI models.
- Responses may contain inaccuracies—always verify with the source materials.
Need Help?
Library staff are happy to assist you with using Primo Research Assistant or refining your research questions. Visit the Reference Desk or contact us via Ask a Librarian.