> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.nested-knowledge.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.nested-knowledge.com/review-workflow/literature-search.md). # Literature Search Learn how to add a Literature Search and AI search tools available. **Literature Search** is where a review begins: every study you will screen, tag, or synthesize later enters here first. This is done either by running a search, importing files, or adding sources directly. A documented strategy makes your evidence base traceable and supports a reproducible review. ### Tools Available Below is a summary of the Search AI tools offered and what they do. | Tool | Builds a query | Adds records to your nest | Reads | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------- | ------------------------------------------ | | [**Smart Search**](/review-workflow/literature-search/ai-tools-in-search/smart-search.md) | Yes — several ready-to-run PubMed queries from your research question | Yes via Automatic Search | Your research question | | [**Search Exploration**](/review-workflow/literature-search/ai-tools-in-search/search-exploration.md) | Yes — concept by concept, with a live literature preview | Yes via Automatic Search | Your concepts and PubMed, for preview only | ### Choose Your Starting Path

### Add an Existing Search


Add an automatic search	Run a saved query in a supported database.	Automatic Search
Import search files	Add results from searches you ran elsewhere.	Import Search Files

### Build a Query With Smart Search


Smart Search	Generate PubMed queries from your research question.	Smart Search
Search Exploration	Explore concepts and PubMed literature before finalizing your query.	Search Exploration

### Add Records From Other Sources


Add records from other sources	Add individual records, full texts, or gray literature.	Other Sources
Bibliomine references	Add references from PDFs of existing studies or reviews.	Bibliomine

### What Happens After You Add Records


Review duplicate matches	Audit deduplication decisions before screening.	Duplicate Review
Filter search results in Study Inspector	Find records from a specific search.	Study Inspector

### Manage Searches And Records For each search, select **More** to view its query details, view the full translated query, or name it. The name appears in search listings and exports. Deleting a search removes its records and associated data. Records from another remaining search stay in the nest. Ref IDs retain their audit trail after deletion. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://docs.nested-knowledge.com/review-workflow/literature-search.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.