Before you go on to a database, you need to prepare your search strategy. Use the Search Strategy Worksheet and Search Strategy Tips in the left column to help you make your search fast and effective.
In the middle column you will find a list of databases useful for your research, look out for the Best Bets for key databases.
Databases are laid out in different ways, have a look at the How to Guides for key databases in the right column.
It is important that you don't just search for a whole sentence or question and instead think carefully about what are your most important keywords
e.g. Discuss methods of achieving success at university
Your keywords would be success AND university
The database will just search for the keywords you enter into the search box, therefore you need to think about all the different ways something might be described
e.g. university may also be described as "higher education" OR college OR "educational institution"
In order to keep two or more words together as a phrase, enclose them in quotation marks
e.g. "higher education" will look for the phrase "higher education" rather than individual words, "higher" and "education".
A number of databases allow you to use the asterisk symbol * to save you time
e.g. manag* will find manage, manages, managed, managing, management etc.
If you would like to find a particular journal article that you have come across on your reading list, etc. you can easily search for this on the Library Catalogue. It is even easier, if you have the reference for this article.
Our reference example above is in Harvard style. However, no matter what referencing style you have in front of you - determining the various components of a reference is a practical skill to possess.
Please see the help guide below for detailed information on finding a journal article or journal.
You do not need a LSBU username and password to access these databases:
A number of our databases are provided by EBSCO, this means you can search them simultaneously.
Getting an error message when you try to access our e-resources? You may need to try a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, IE) or device, or clear your cache.
If you are unable to access one of our journal articles, e-books, or other online resources, you can contact our e-Resources Team who are able to assist. Please use this form to contact the team https://lsbu-uk.libwizard.com/f/E-Resources_Access including details of the item you are trying to access along with a screenshot of any error message. This will send your details to the e-Resources Team at llreres@lsbu.ac.uk
Should service issues occur, there is an alternative links page available for a select number of resources.
