Support for your literature review
Library staff and resources are available to support you whatever type of literature review you are conducting.
We recommend that you follow the steps below:
Plan - create a timeline
Use one of the many tools available, e.g. Gantt chart, to plot the timeline for your project. One option is to use the Project Planner feature within Sage Research Methods resource.
- SAGE Research Methods This link opens in a new windowe-books, case studies, videos and data sets supporting the development of research skills
Ensure best access to 'hidden' resources
Many scholarly articles continue to be published in subscription journals. However, copyright compliant open access versions of the text are often available - download the Core or Unpaywall web extensions, or use the Open Access Button, to view these.
- CORE This link opens in a new windowCORE is claimed to be a platform providing access to the world’s largest collection of open access research papers. Its mission is to facilitate free unrestricted access to research for all.
- Unpaywall Browser Extension This link opens in a new windowUnpaywall is a web browser extension enabling access to open access scholarly publications.
- Open Access ButtonSearch engine enabling free access to the full text of scholarly articles in compliance with copyright restrictions.
Choose the best reference management method
Decide on the most appropriate reference management tool for your project, e.g.EndNote, and note your sources as soon as you start reading.
- Keeping track of your sourcesFurther information on keeping track of your sources throughout your coursework and research.
Useful software
Explore the software tools that may be useful throughout the review process. For example:
- Systematic Review ToolboxThe Systematic Review Toolbox is a web-based catalogue of tools that support various tasks within the systematic review and wider evidence synthesis process, including quality assessment / critical appraisal checklists, reporting standards and guidelines.
Meet with your librarian
Meet with your Academic Librarian to discuss your topic, raise awareness of available resources and ensure you have the best search strategy.
- Jacqueline Boston, Social Sciences, Psychology and Social Work
- Joshua Cheyne, Business
- Linsey Sutherland, CEPS
- Margo Stewart, Health
- Raewyn Riach, Arts & Media, Education
- Sheila MacPherson, Life and Sports Sciences
Access other university and research collections
- SCONUL AccessSCONUL Access is a scheme which allows many university library users to study spaces or books and journals at other libraries which belong to the scheme. Some library users may be able to borrow print books from other libraries too.
- National Library of Scotland (NLS)A reference and digitised collection of over 24 million items - books, manuscripts, maps, music (print and recordings), photographs, posters, postcards, newspapers, magazines, electronic journals and CD-ROMS - on multiple subjects.
Learn about our Inter Library Loan option
Later in your project, you may need access to books or journal articles which we do not stock and which are not available on an open access basis. If so, be aware that you can submit requests to our Interlibrary Loans team throughout the year.
- UWS Library - Inter Library loans (ILLs)Our dedicated guide to help you make requests for access to books and journal articles held in the British Library or other (mainly UK) Library collections.
Are you new to systematic and advanced searching?
This guide is designed for postgraduate, PhD students and career researchers who have experience with systematic or advanced searching and the content is highly detailed for that purpose. If you're just getting started, it is recommended that you start with the basics and ensure you are confident with the basic principles of searching.
- Preparing your literature reviewThe exact nature of your research will not be determined until after the literature review. However, the review should be conducted with a certain degree of structure. In many cases, your supervisor will expect to see a preliminary search strategy before you proceed with your review. So, what does a search strategy involve?