Workshop: Advanced Literature Searching: Home

Aim

This workshop introduced participants to advanced literature searching using relevant online databases. Participants were shown how to develop an effective search strategy using standard search techniques and database refine options.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the session students will:

• Understand the literature search cycle.
• Be able to access appropriate databases.
• Be able to identify appropriate search terms for their topic or research question.
• Develop search terms into an effective strategy using standard search techniques and database refine options.
• Evaluate search results.
• Save searches and set up search alerts.

Outline of session

The session will consist of a search strategy discussion, search demonstrations and practical work to enable participants can apply what they have learnt in the session.

University of Suffolk Information Literacies Framework

A. 1    Recognize the importance of using a comprehensive set of high quality, research-based resources.

A. 4    Decide which databases are most relevant to the student’s research.

A. 9    Develop in-depth search strategy on a wide range of information resources. 

A.10    Use specialised information resources to retrieve information, where appropriate.
A.11    Assess the quantity and relevance of the search results in order to filter out irrelevant information and identify gaps.
A. 14    Select appropriate information from the range of results retrieved for the research topic.
A. 16    Keep a record of information searching activities.

Graduate Headstart Employability Mapping

1.1    Develop a strategy for using a range of skills to improve own learning and performance.

7.1    Reading, selecting, analysing and synthesising information from a range of sources.
 

FHEQ Descriptors

2.1    Apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge and understanding, and to initiate and carry out projects.

RDF (Researcher Development Framework)

A.1    Knowledge base 

You may find the following online courses and tutorials useful. 

General search help - The Information Skills Guide

If you are a health or nursing student then we have specialist information on literature searching for you.   Find it here.