Summary
This is essentially a structured framework for working with academic literature when you can't directly access databases. It walks you through formulating Boolean search queries, choosing the right databases (PubMed, arXiv, IEEE Xplore, etc.), and analyzing papers using methods like the three-pass reading strategy. The output templates for search strategies and literature reviews are detailed, maybe overly so. It's honest about limitations: Claude can't actually execute searches or access paywalled content, so you're still doing the heavy lifting in Google Scholar or your institutional database. Best use case is probably getting unstuck on how to structure a literature review or translate a fuzzy research question into actual search terms. The PICO framework and citation chaining explanations are solid if you're new to systematic searching.
Install
npx skills add https://github.com/claude-office-skills/skills --skill academic-search
