Writing a Literature Review

Here are some search tips that are specifically helpful for literature review research.

• Don't hesitate to use subject databases in disciplines other than the most applicable subject area for your topic. For example, one may find great research for education topics in the sociology database, SocINDEX.
• Do a search for other literature reviews. If you type "literature review" in one of the search boxes in a database, you may find other literature reviews on the topic. Some databases have special features in this area -- for example, ERIC has "literature review" as a subject heading. Reading other literature reviews is great way to find other sources! (However, you should NOT simply adapt that literature review as your own.)
• When searching in a database, look for a "pearl article" -- one of the best articles you've found related to your topic thus far. Note the subject terms used in that record and search using those terms -- as keywords or still as subject terms.
• Try the citation trail method of finding sources. Mine the reference list/bibliography of one article for others that may relate and be worth consulting. Doing this can also help you identify the landmark studies in that area.
• Use Web of Science. (See link below.) This can help identify the relationships between articles in a scholarly conversation. Creating Citation Maps can be especially helpful. If you need help using Web of Science, contact one of the librarians.