Getting started

This Library Resource Guide is designed to be used alongside LibrarySearch.

When you do research, you have to gather information and evidence from a variety of sources. The guide is structured along the idea of starting your research journey by developing your understanding of your research topic by consulting reference resources. Once you have a deeper understanding you move on to consult existing research in books and journal articles and exploring primary sources and archive collections.

Reference and background sources: Start your research journey by building an overview of your topic and help you establish suitable keywords. These resources are also great when you need to get a quick overview of a topic or author in preparation for a seminar.

Secondary sources, criticisms and journal articles: This area contains our secondary sources, which provide commentary from other researchers who describe, interpret, or synthesize primary sources. Here you can also find some of our eBook collections by topic.

Primary texts: this area list our digital resources that provide original works of fiction, poetry and plays.

Primary sources: this area of the guide provides raw information and first-hand evidence that has not been interpreted and analysed. Examples include interview transcripts, letters, memoirs, diaries etc. Primary research gives you direct access to the subject of your research.

Key resources

• ProQuest One Literature is a good place to start as it contains both reference, criticisms and primary sources.
• MLA International Bibliography is the other key database that also covers literature, literary theory and criticism
• There is also a page that lists some of the most useful resources for developing you Writing skills including creative writing.

The menu on the right provides useful tools and sources of help. Do not hesitate to get in contact should you have any queries or want one-one help.