Getting started

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

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 before moving on to finally exploring primary sources and archive collections.

Reference sources: start your research journey by building an overview of your topic and help you establish suitable keywords.

Journal articles: use our journal databases to find original research on a specific topic from reliable, academic sources.

Primary sources: find primary evidence for historical analysis. There are five tabs in this section, including digital resources at Kent and archives you can visit in person.

Finding material outside of the Templeman Library

There may well be an occasion when you are searching for a book or journal article that’s not available in the Templeman Library.

In this cases you may want to visit another library that holds the relevant material or request a copy from elsewhere using our Document Delivery Service.

More advice on research skills

The Institute of Historical Studies have a very helpful guide for finding and evaluating suitable materials for research.

Also recommended is Dr David Rundle’s thorough guide with advice on how to research online on his bonæ litteræ: occasional writing from David Rundle, Renaissance scholar blog.

At the top of this page are also some links with advice on MHRA referencing, using your digital library, checking if we have access to a specific resource you found on the web, and how to use our eBooks.