These databases allow you to search for material including articles, conference proceedings and books. Some, but not all, databases provide links to the full text of articles, where the university has a subscription to that title.
A literature search is a systematic and comprehensive search for information. The information will inform and shape your research. It will enable you to find out what has already been written in your subject and enable you to identify the main trends. The information can be contained in books, journal articles, reports, case studies, policy documents, conference proceedings, etc.
Before you start your literature search use the worksheet below to plan what you are going to do. This will help you work in a more systematic fashion and will provide you with a record of what you have done, to use when you write up your research methods.
