Literature Review Help

Creating your first literature review can be a complex process requiring a number of skills. It involves identifying, evaluating and synthesising previous research in your field of study. Structured around research ideas, its purpose is to set the research scene by highlighting the main arguments and identifying gaps or shortcomings which need to be addressed with further research.

For help with writing your literature review take a look at the Library’s online tutorial: Producing a literature review. This tutorial will guide you through the process of writing a literature review in 7 steps. It also suggests sources of further advice and provides recommended reading.

Working on your dissertation over the summer?

The Library can help!

• Library resources for your subject – subject guides featuring recommended databases and websites

• Our Information Skills Resource – features many handy tutorials, including referencing and producing a literature review

• For items not currently held in stock – Book Recommendation Form - Interlibrary Request Service

• British Library Boston Spa minibus – trips scheduled for July and August

• Find the librarian for your subject – for any extra support you require

Finding music resources & scores for performance

The Economist

The Library now provides online access to The Economist - a source of information on international news, politics, business, and economics. 

Explore the website by clicking on the tabs/drop-down menus located at the top of the screen. From here you can also view the print editions of The Economist from 1997 up to the current edition.

The website provides access to a number of blogs on different subjects including: financial markets, American politics, economics, and business travel. There is also a multimedia library with video and audio clips.

Useful tip: creating a free account will enable you to save articles to aTimekeeper reading list so that you can go back to them later. 

Please note: University members get full access to The Economist (excludingThe Economist apps and The Economist in audio), so there is no need to subscribe. All links to subscription information are intended for individuals and can be ignored.

Access

Access is available via the StarPlus Library catalogue (make sure that you have signed in by clicking University members at the top of the screen). Find it by typing "The Economist” into the University Collections search box and clickSearch. Please note: the Library also has the print edition of The Economist. For the online resource click View It on the record marked as electronic resource and then click on the link.

Spare Rib Magazine

Spare Rib was a landmark national feminist magazine. It was first published in July 1972 and continued until January 1993. All 239 editions of the magazine are now available online for the first time, providing a valuable insight into women’s lives and this period of feminist activity. 

Access

Access is available from this webpage. Alternatively, search for “Spare Rib” using the University Collections search box on the StarPlus Library catalogue. 

Additionally, the British Library’s Spare Rib website features selected pages from the magazine, alongside articles written by academics, activists and former contributors.

Special Collections Refurbishment

PLEASE NOTE. The library Special Collections Department in Western Bank Library will be closed for refurbishment for 3 weeks from Monday 15th June. It will re-open on Monday 6th July. During this closure period members of the University can request Rare Books and Special Collections material (not Archives) via the Western Bank Library Level 5 desk. Items will be collected at 10.30am and 2.30pm and are for reference use only. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused.