A Suggested Approach
Based on your literature search plan (See Plan your search section), you will be able to identify and prioritise the types of literature (i.e. journal articles, government reports, etc.) you will need for your thesis.
The section of the guide discusses the key databases and services you can use to search for various types of literature:
2.1 Use Library Search & Databases
There are four key ways to search the library catalogue and databases for literature
Find discipline-specific databases, journals, and books for your research: Watch this video to learn about searching the library catalogue and databases: |
2.2 Search Google & Google Scholar
Google and Google Scholar are fantastic search engines that can empower you in your literature search.
- Google and Google Scholar are particularly useful when searching for grey literature, e.g. working papers, government reports, statistics, conference papers, patents, blogs, webpages etc.
- Although they appear to be simple to use, unfiltered Google and Google Scholar search results can be overwhelming.
Watch the video below for tips and techniques that can help you to search Google and Google Scholar more effectively:
2.3 Use Interlibrary Loans
Deakin researchers and students have access to a wide range of books, journal titles, and other resources from a range of universities via the Interlibrary Loans network (Worldwide Universities).
If you can't find it at Deakin, you may request items from other libraries to be loaned to you, or suggest a purchase for the Library collection.
- Submit an online Interlibrary loan request
- Read the Interlibrary loan guidelines