How to use Dimensions Ai database for literature search

How to use Dimensions Ai database for literature search

Are you a researcher looking for a complete guide on how to use Dimensions Ai database for literature search? This is the blog for you!

During the course of my PhD studies, I sought access to databases that could help me find literature. As an African researcher, I did not have access to several popular databases that are commonly used for research, for example Scopus and Web of Science.

These databases are often accessed through institutional arrangements with the database providers. Unfortunately, under-resourced African universities are often unable to offer access to some of these databases.

How to use Dimensions Ai database for literature search

There is a wide range of options available to us for literature search including African Journals Online (AJOL), Research4Life, Google Scholar, and Dimensions. This article will focus on how to use Dimensions.ai, a tool I have found particularly useful due to the huge range of research it makes available, and the ease of exporting citations. 

Dimensions.ai is a research database that provides access to a wide array of research publications, including journal articles, conference papers, patents, and clinical trials.

Dimensions Ai provides users with a range of functionalities including search functionality, citation metrics, funding information on the articles, visualization tools to help users interpret data and trends in research, and insights into collaborations, showcasing networks in specific fields. 

1. Access the Platform

Go to the Dimensions website: https://www.dimensions.ai/ 

Create a free account: This step is optional and you can search without an account. However, creating one allows you to save/ export searches and access additional features. 

2. Search for Research

Use the Search Bar: Enter keywords, authors, or DOIs related to your research topic.

Refine Your Search: Utilize filters on the left side to narrow results by:

  • Publication type (articles, patents, etc.)
  • Date range
  • Research domains
  • Funding agencies

3. Explore Results

View Results: Click on any title to access detailed information about that publication, including abstracts, citations, and related works.

Check Citations: Look for citation counts to assess the impact of the publication.

4. Analyze Data

Visualizations: Use built-in tools to create visualizations showing citation networks or trends over time.

Explore Related Works: Click on “Cited by” to see works that reference the publication, or “Related” for similar research.

5. Save and Share

Save Searches: If logged in, you can save searches for future reference.

Export Citations: Use the export function to download citation information in various formats (e.g., BibTeX, RIS). The exported file contains comprehensive information on the research downloaded including DOI, Authors, Funding Sources, Abstract, Journal, link, access options and others. Here is how the downloaded file looks: 

6. Leverage Additional Features

Funding Information: Explore related funding data linked to specific publications.

Collaboration Insights: Analyze collaborations between authors or institutions.

Use the new integration between Dimensions and Papers, a subscription-based service, to instantly read and understand the research using Ai. 

Conclusion

Overall, Dimensions is a free and easy to use tool to search for, visualize and export academic research including grey literature and patent. I found that it simplifies the research search process for me. Have you used Dimensions for your research? Let us know in the comments below.