There are several steps involved in creating an effective literature search for finding information on a topic. This guide will help you through the process.
If you need assistance, we can help! Our librarians are available to help with
individual instruction in library resources,
creation of efficient search strategies,
literature reviews for projects,
EBM instruction and literature searching,
group instruction (Computer Classroom available), and
document delivery and interlibrary loan.
You can contact us by selecting the “Email Me” button in the Contact Us box to the left or fill out the literature search request form below.
Before contacting us, it’s best to do some planning and searching on your own. Watch Search Once, Twice, Then Ask Your Librarian, a short, 1:17 minute video by the MLA InSight Initiative for some quick tips on getting started.
Prior to meeting with a librarian, we recommend that you:
Formulate your research question with the purpose of your research in mind (e.g., clinical/patient care, research). We’ll discuss this in detail in the Clinical Questions/PICO section.
Determine the scope of your research, including any limitations (e.g., population, language, time span).
Familiarize yourself with your topic if it is new or unfamiliar to you. Both books and articles can give you background information to help you understand the topic as well as determine the breadth of relevant literature that is available on it.
Choose your initial search terms and compile a list of alternative terms (e.g., acronyms, synonyms, variations on spelling) from your research questions as well as from abstracts or full-text articles you’ve read related to your topic.
Keep track of the relevant articles that you’ve found as well as your search statements. They can be a helpful starting point for a librarian assisting you to find more information related to your topic and can be helpful if you need to update your research at a later time. It will also be important to give credit to the author/creator of ideas, data, or information that you use in your research and provide the necessary details to direct readers to the original sources.
