We focus on how to plan the search process, select the relevant databases and design search strategies.

The course covers the use of bibliographic databases and citation index databases, how to manage references and how to document and report on the search process.

After the course, you will know and be able to work with

• Developing relevant search strategies.
• Selecting relevant databases.
• Reference management.
• Documentation of the search process
   

Preparation for the course

You are expected to have read the following three texts before the course. The texts are available on itslearning:

Booth, A. et al (2022). Getting started on your literature review The Literature. In Systematic approaches to a successful literature review (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications Ltd, pp. 22-39
Booth, A. et al. (2022). Searching The Literature. In Systematic approaches to a successful literature review (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications Ltd. pp. 124-149.
Rienecker, L. et al. (2018). Literature and information search for your paper. In The good paper: A handbook for writing papers in higher education (2.th ed.) Samfundslitteratur. pp. 146-170.

The fourth text can be read as background text if you have time:

Harter. S.P. (1986). Search Strategies and Heuristics. In Online information retrieval: Concepts, principles and techniques. Academic Press, pp. 170-204.

You are also expected to have skimmed/reviewed the Literature Search and Review Guide.

Before we meet

Contact your supervisor to find out which journals are particularly relevant for you to keep an eye on (possibly with a view to publishing).

Evaluation

A week after the course, you will be required to submit a written assignment of approximately 2-4 pages reflecting on your own literature searching practice. The course is worth 1 ECTS point.

We look forward to your participation.

Yours sincerely

Kamilla & Jette