This document provides guidance on conducting an effective literature search. It discusses using LibrarySearch as a starting point but not for systematic searches, as it prioritizes full-text items. Key databases recommended include PsycINFO, Medline, Cochrane, and Web of Science. Tips are provided for structuring search strategies, using advanced search features, and saving search results. The document also outlines setting up article alerts and accessing institutional repositories of research outputs.

1. Literature searching
17th October 2019 // claire.choong@canterbury.ac.uk

2. Session plan
To increase confidence in:
• structuring a strategy for an efficient and
systematic literature search
• identifying and accessing suitable databases
through LibrarySearch*
• using bibliographical databases effectively to find
relevant articles
*LibrarySearch is a good jumping off point but it is not suitable for systematic
searches

3. LibrarySearch
• Searches multiple online resources at the same
time – this is not always the most appropriate
option
• Good for quick needs or scoping a search, but not
for systematic searching
• Prioritises items available in full text, but your key
papers may not be available like this
• Acts as the gateway to individual databases

4. LibrarySearch

5. Which databases?
As a general rule, the key databases include
• PsycINFO – for clinical psychology/psychiatry
• Medline – for clinical medicine
• Cochrane – to check if a subject review already exists
• Web of Science – for theoretical underpinnings in social science
fields
• ASSIA - Applied Social Sciences Index & Abstracts
Full text access often included
Access via LibrarySearch

6. • Can be a good starting and/or finishing point
• Use Advanced Search option and date limits for
precision
• Follow links to related and cited articles
• Academic content, but you are often asked to
pay.
• NB: You can link to CCCU subscriptions via
LibrarySearch (Settings/Library Links)
Google Scholar

7. Tips for searching
• Split your search into individual concepts, search for
those concept terms and then combine the searches
• Make use of features offered by the database/s, e.g.
their thesaurus guides to terms and keywords
• Use “advanced search” options where available
(different search boxes, limits etc.)

8. More tips!
• Narrow a search with AND: play AND autism
• Widen search with OR (for synonyms): autism OR
asperger
• Include word variations with truncation: asperger*
• Precision phrase searching with () and ““:
(autism OR asperger*) AND “behavio* management”
• Look at results for other keywords to use
• Check the references at the end of useful articles to
follow up
• Follow ‘cited by’ links

9. Small group work
Practise structuring and running a search strategy
Photo by Paul Carroll on Unsplash

10. Saving items
Saving the search strategies
• Most databases offer this option
• You need to register with the database for this
• Look for help under ‘Save searches’ or ‘Search histories’
options
• Or create a spreadsheet
Saving the references/search results
• Various tools around, e.g. EndNote, Zotero, Mendeley
• RefWorks – Internet option, free for CCCU and
incorporates Write-N-Cite

11. Alerts
• Search strategy alerts possible via PsycINFO, Web of
Science & others
(guides to setting these up are posted on
Blackboard in the Literature Searching section)
• New journal issue alerts via Zetoc (or through the
appropriate full text provider or publisher)

12. Institutional repositories
CReaTE – Canterbury Research and Theses
Environment [Soon to change to Research Space]
• online archive of CCCU research outputs
(also via LibrarySearch)
British Library EThOS Service - provides access to
a growing set of electronic and digitised theses.
You will need to register with the service.

13. Help!
• Blackboard – various guides under Library /
Literature search & referencing
• Online databases websites
• Ask in the Library or email Claire
• Useful books:
• Aveyard, H. (2019). Doing a literature review in health and
social care: A practical guide (4th ed.). Maidenhead: Open
University Press. (e book via LibrarySearch)
• Jesson, J.K. (2011). Doing your literature review: Traditional
and systematic techniques. London: Sage.