Literature Monitoring: Frequently Asked Questions

ReadCube's Literature Monitoring helps users automatically discover and manage scientific articles based on user-defined search criteria. It comprises three core tools:

• AI-Assisted Query Builder: This feature converts a natural language search query (a plain sentence or phrase) directly into a precise, complex Boolean search string. Its purpose is to help users construct effective search logic without needing expertise in Boolean operators.
• AI Filtering: This tool helps users manage large result sets. It uses algorithms to analyze the content and context of the results, allowing you to filter and prioritize the most relevant papers within those results. This makes it easier to quickly find the critical articles within a broad search.
• Auto Library Feed Deposits: Once a recurring search is set up, this function ensures that any new article published that meets the established search criteria is automatically added (deposited) to a specified ReadCube library. This creates a continuous, automated feed of relevant new literature.

Full-text searching gives you the power to search across the entire content of scholarly articles, not just titles and abstracts. This means you can locate specific methodologies, data points, or references buried deep within the literature. Unlike abstract-based searching, full-text search ensures nothing critical is missed—giving you comprehensive insights and the confidence to build a robust knowledge base. ReadCube’s full-text search is powered by Dimensions.

• Dimensions is the world’s largest connected research database, designed to map and connect every part of the research ecosystem. It includes a vast and continually updated collection of global research outputs — from grants and publications to patents and clinical trials — giving you an unparalleled view of the research landscape.
• ReadCube’s Search is powered by Dimensions, meaning every search you perform within ReadCube draws directly from this extensive database. Because Dimensions features full-text search indexing, ReadCube’s Search delivers more detailed, context-rich, and precise results — ensuring you discover the most relevant research faster and more effectively.

1. Go to the Search module in your ReadCube account.
2. Create a search query and hit ‘Search’.
3. Click the ‘Add to Starred’ icon next to the search bar to save your search.
4. A menu will appear. Check the box to “Create a Library Feed to add new results to your Library,” then click ‘Save’.
5. Choose the Library or List for the feed, or create a new one.
6. Your search will automatically link to the chosen list or library and update daily with new relevant content.

Watch this video to learn how to set up an automatic library feed deposit:

1. Go to the Search Module in your ReadCube account.
2. Click 'Advanced' below the search bar.
3. Select 'AI Assist' and enter your natural language search query.
4. Click 'Generate' to convert your natural language into Boolean logic.
5. Edit the query if needed, then search to find relevant articles.

Watch this video to learn how to use the AI Assisted Query Builder:

1. After running your search, click the 'Filter' button in the top-right corner.
2. In natural language, describe how you want the AI Assistant to filter your results.
3. Adjust the number of results to be analyzed. Note that analyzing more results will take longer.
4. Click 'Ask' to filter your results, bringing high-priority studies to the top and minimizing manual sifting.
5. You can adjust the filter settings at any time to control what's most important to your workflow.

Yes, the Literature Monitoring functionality works on articles of all languages.

ReadCube’s Search and Literature Monitoring functionality is available in the web app and the latest version of the desktop app. Please note that if you have not updated to the latest version of the desktop app the Literature Monitoring functionality will not be available. To update, go to the Tools page in ReadCube.