LibGuides: Arts & Creative Industries Subject Guide: Library Essentials

Library Essentials

A suite of pages to get you started with essential library and study skills:

Finding books in the library	Using other libraries
Finding journal articles	Study skills
Finding film, images and sound	Creativity tools
Arts & Creative Industries Databases List	Information for new staff
Database search tips	Copyright

As well as the tools in these pages, the Library offers a range of services to researchers,for example:

Journal article searching via LibrarySearch / Access to numerous subject databases via LibrarySearch / Sage Research Methods / Edinburgh Napier Research Repository / Endnote help / Open Access Blog

If you need books or articles beyond the scope of these services, you are welcome to get in touch with me to discuss further options. We may be able to purchase some materials, facilitate access to other libraries, or order items via interlibrary loan as necessary.

If you would like to know more about any of these services, please email me to arrange an appointment.

Literature Search Plan
This search plan is likely to underpin most of the research to follow, so it is worth spending a significant amount of time on preparing a detailed search plan. Use this search plan template as a starter for your own systematic search.

Using Boolean
Use Boolean operators to improve the efficiency of your searches. This handy helpsheet introduces you to the different operators and gives examples of how to use them.
The Library Guide to Literature Reviewing
This guide is designed to introduce you to literature searching. Learn how to carry out a scoping search, make a search plan, and appraise the results.
SAGE Research Methods Project Planner
If you are conducting a literature review as part of a dissertation or thesis then the Project Planner found on the SAGE Research Methods database can be a useful place to start.

Article Notes & Reference Record
This template supports the process of annotating and referencing scholarly articles by providing a space to record an article's bibliographical details, the search query used to locate the article, notes about the article's methodology and findings, and key cited sources. It also helps with summarising the article and formatting it in the APA 7th edition referencing style.