Discovering wider resources

As you broaden your research and look for your own information you will be able to take advantage of the wide range of search tools available to you. Where you search will depend on what you are searching for. For example; are you looking for an introduction to a topic or the latest research findings?

Planning your search

Planning is an important part of discovering a wide range of information sources and perspectives. It will help you to develop an effective search strategy and can save you time. Explore the options below to find out more about planning your search. Use the subsections in the left hand menu to explore different search tools relevant to the AMRC.

Developing a search strategy (tutorial)
Learn how to successfully develop a search strategy, and identify your search terms.

Developing a search strategy (Word document, 685 KB)
Learn how to successfully develop a search strategy, and identify your search terms.

Where do I search for academic information for my course? (tutorial)
Learn where to start searching for information and which discovery tools to use for your needs.
Producing a literature review (tutorial)
A literature review aims to give an overview of the current scholarly understanding of a particular topic, including any competing theories or perspectives. This guide provides an outline and suggests sources of further advice.

Producing a literature review (Word document, 348 KB)
A literature review aims to give an overview of the current scholarly understanding of a particular topic, including any competing theories or perspectives. This guide provides an outline and suggests sources of further advice.

Active reading for understanding (tutorial)
Learn how to read an academic text effectively.
Mind mapping
Guidance from the Univeristy 301 Academic Skills Centre on creating effective mind maps and find out how they can help you with your studies.
MindView quick start tutorial: How to create a mind map
This YouTube video is a quick start guide to how to create a mind map using the MindView software.

Workshops

Searching for information: A Masterclass
In this session you will learn how to use databases to find the best resources for your independent research project in order to achieve the highest marks.
Decolonise your information searching
In this reflective and practical session, you will explore issues around how certain types of knowledge and information sources have been valued over others, leading to omissions of marginalised perspectives in research.

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