The Literature Review: Searching the literature

Steps for searching the literature

  1. Define your terms – examine your subject area and think about the keywords you will use for your research.  Look for synonyms, alternate spellings and international variations for your subject(s). Your search terms will need to be reasonably consistent across all the tools you use. Be aware databases may use different terms to describe the same concept. It is recommended to use the database thesauri (list of subject tems) to identify keywords.
  2. Conduct a basic web search – look at what is available online, this will help  you refine your key terms and topic ideas.
  3. Find out what's available at VU using the Library Search – try to determine what exactly you are looking for, check to find out which books/book chapters are available (at VU or other libraries).
  4. Database searching – use key terms identified from your catalogue and web searches to devise basic database searches. Try searching a few different databases from the Library's Databases A to Z list to find which works best for your subject area or discipline.

VU Search Kit

The ‘VU Search Planner’ provides guidance in search planning, using database features (wildcards, truncation etc.) to find resources, and then platform-specific advice on saving searches. Download and use the guides. 

Download this 'Planning your Search' document and use it to develop a search as you look for library resources.

Learn how to use enhance your database searching with these search tips using truncation, wildcard, connectors, phrases and proximity database features. 

Discover how to save your search results on the major VU database journal article platforms.

Library databases

Use library databases to find peer-reviewed, high quality articles and research papers.

If you are not sure which databases are relevant to your subject area, use the Browse by Subject section on the Library's Databases A to Z page or make an appointment with your College Librarian

Once you have decided on which database(s) to use

  • enter key terms to search
  • use advanced search options where possible
  • separate each key term or concept into a new search box (if available)
  • limit and refine your results using the tools available (refinement tools will differ for each database). 

Follow this link to access online videos on accessing the Library Search and Library Databases. 

Search the library

Search tools on the VU library website

Link through to the library website

Many (but not all) VU Library resources can be accessed through VU Library Search. Keywords or search terms can be entered in the search box.

VU Library Home Page

 

The library also provides tools to allow users to search for the book, journal article, video, or newspaper whether in physical or electronic format. These tools are located below the main search box on the library website. Consider the text listed under each of the search tools. 

1. A-Z Databases - Find articles, ebooks, streaming videos, case studies and special collections.

2. Publication Finder - Find online publications by title - journals and ebooks.

3. BrowZine - Easy browsing of scholarly journals on any device.

VU Page with Resources listed

 

Using Google Scholar

Google Scholar provides a simple way to broadly search for scholarly literature. It can be a good starting point to gain an understanding of the bredth of research published on your topic.

Many VU library databases can also be searched through Google Scholar. Fulltext journal articles and research papers can be retrieved by clicking on the "Find Fulltext@VU Library" link when it appears to the right of your search results.  This will happen automatically while on-campus but may need to be set up as "Library Links" under Scholar Settings to work from off-site.