Developing effective literature searching skills
4 March 2026 11:00 until 12:30
University of Sussex Campus - Library Seminar Room
Speaker: Nicholas Heavey, Learning and Teaching Librarian
Part of the series: Researcher Development Programme
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This workshop introduces core techniques for literature searching. We'll start by exploring connections between research outputs and authors to uncover new sources. Building on this, we’ll demonstrate how to carry out structured, systematic searches, getting you familiar with the advanced techniques that can be applied across different academic databases. The session will also include activities to help you refine your own literature searching approach.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the workshop, you will be able to:
- Construct and refine literature searches using effective strategies that move from unstructured exploration to structured database searching.
- Apply advanced search techniques across a range of databases and resources to locate relevant literature.
- Evaluate the reliability, relevance, and authority of sources retrieved through different search methods.
- Implement effective techniques for monitoring and staying up-to-date with newly published research.
Target audience
Postgraduate researchers in the early stages of their research degree and from all disciplines.
Workshop theme
Core workshops deliver essential skills or knowledge that you will need to undertake your research degree. Visit our Core workshops page for more sessions.
