Primo Research Assistant is a tool powered by GenAI (specifically LLM) that supports exploring academic content by asking questions in natural language.
The Primo Research Assistant is a component of OneSearch. It uses content found in your library to identify five documents that may help answer your question by extracting relevant information from the description/abstracts of each source.
The five documents will include articles, eBooks, or other resources available in OneSearch. Each document provides an overview and supplies information about the source. An option for viewing related results will expand your query into OneSearch.
Your question/search is converted into a query that the search engine understands with the help of a Large Language Model (currently GPT 4o-mini). It identifies the "most relevant documents" in the index and ranks them according to how well they can answer the question.
With the help of the LLM, an answer - the top five documents is presented. Due to the nature of LLMs, answers to the same question are not always the same. There may be more than one possible answer and different resources that are relevant. If you are not satisfied with your answers, use the “Try again” button.
Keep in mind:
It is possible a search will return saying it can not generate any results. It does not necessarily follow that there is nothing available, but that the way the search was entered did not meet criteria set by the LLM - or that the LLM configured is set to "flag" topics or terms.
Take time to restate your query - or return to the main OneSearch page.
Clarivate / Primo tools "utilize LLMs to process your input and Clarivate’s licensed content for real-time responses. Neither your input nor the licensed content are stored by the large language model or used for any other purpose than the immediate interaction session. Clarivate does not use your data to directly or indirectly train LLMs" (Clarivate AI Policy).
"Your data is protected and processed securely to uphold its integrity and confidentiality. We strictly adhere to applicable data privacy policies and regulations, ensuring secure handling of your personal data and information. Our tools utilize LLMs to process your input and Clarivate’s licensed content for real-time responses" (Clarivate Data Privacy).
"Any use of generative AI beyond standard spell checkers or grammar checkers in the writing of your drafts is prohibited unless otherwise stated. Generative AI includes Grammarly, Chat-GPT, Quillbot, and similar tools" (ENG 101 Syllabus, Dr. Donatini, Fall 2025).
Dr. Donatini has authorized the introduction and use of the OneSearch Research Assistant for this library instruction session supporting the career exploration project.
"Primo Research Assistant: Ask research questions. Explore new topics. Discover credible sources."
From the navigation/quick link bar at the top of every OneSearch page; select the ellipses ... to view the extended menu options. Click on Research Assistant at the bottom of the page.
If prompted to login, select AU User Login to proceed.
Enter your research question in the search bar, or select one of the example questions to review suggested topics.
Research history is available; it's possible to revisit previous questions. User may opt to keep or delete any search query.
Research question: What impact will AI have on writing careers?
When this search was conducted, the five sources included an (1) Article, (2) Dissertation, (3), Article, (4) Article, and (5) Book, along with a link to View More Results from a library search.
Overview of Sources selection:
"The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on writing careers is multifaceted, as evidenced by various studies and analyses. One significant aspect is the emergence of prompt engineering as a new skill for writers, which reflects the necessity for screenwriters and other professionals to adapt to AI technologies. This adaptation involves understanding the benefits and risks associated with AI tools in creative processes, suggesting a shift in the nature of the writing profession itself" (Research Assistant Overview).
