Questions to Consider as you Review the Literature
You will likely go through the search process a number of times, performing different searches with different keyword combinations, to address the different components of your topic.
Systematic Searching | Handsearching |
#1 Identify your question. Identify the key concepts and related terms. Tip: You may want to re-phrase your question. Background reading can help you identify related terms and further define or narrow your topic. | Explore reference lists to locate other articles, books, or authors who have written on the same topic. |
#2 Find an appropriate search tool. Consider your subject matter, discipline of study, type of information needed (e.g. peer reviewed articles) | Locate cited by literature to view more recent similar or adjacent research. |
#3 Start with a simple search based on your key concepts. Tip: You may also have to look at literature that refers to one (not all) aspects of your research question. |
Browse the table of contents of relevant journals and special issues. |
#4 Use specific search strategies.
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Review bibliographies or reading lists to locate recommended or key resources. |
#5 Search and skim results. Look for the language and terms that researchers use and that the database assigns to articles (Subjects). | Locate an expert Locate an expert the the field and browse their publications. |
#6 Switch up your searches. Use promising new terminology. Your search may become more sophisticated. |
Hello! I'm Elizabeth Salmon, the Social Science Librarian at Vassar. I'm looking forward to working with you during your library visit on Thurs. 9/14. Before we meet, please take five minutes or so to view the two videos below, and consider,
We'll begin the library session with a debrief of the videos. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to me at esalmon@vassar.edu, or visit my office, Main Library, Rm 117. See you soon!
Research 101: Format Matters, University of Washington Libraries (3:41)
Why We Cite. UNC Writing Center (2:06; view only through 1:50)
Bonus Video: Joining the (Scholarly) Conversation. Clemson University (1:12)