Google Scholar is a freely accessible web search engine that indexes the full text or metadata of scholarly literature across an array of publishing formats and disciplines. Released in beta in November 2004, the Google Scholar index includes peer-reviewed online academic journals and books, conference papers, theses and dissertations, preprints, abstracts, technical reports, and other scholarly literature, including court opinions and patents.
Scholars are typically associated with universities and academic institutions, engaging in in-depth study and contributing to their chosen field through research and publications.
Scholars possess a deep understanding of their subject matter and are often recognized for their expertise.
Their work may involve analyzing texts, conducting research, writing papers, presenting at conferences, and engaging in scholarly discussions.
While often connected to formal education, scholars can also be individuals who have gained extensive knowledge and expertise through independent study and self-directed learning.
In the past, the term "scholar" also referred to wandering students or clerics who lacked a formal position, often depicted as free-spirited or even somewhat bohemian.