Literature searching explained

A literature search is a considered and organised search to find key literature on a topic. To complete a thorough literature search you should:

• define what you are searching for
• decide where to search
• develop a search strategy
• refine your search strategy
• save your search for future use.

For background reading or an introduction to a subject, you can do a shorter and more basic Library search.

Use this guide to work your way through the all the stages of the literature searching process.

We provide a literature searching service for University of Leeds researchers, to support research aligned with the University’s strategic priorities.