What is a Literature Search?
A literature search allows researchers to familiarize themselves with the scope of the research on a particular topic. It can also help a researcher recognize where they fall into the body of work. Are there any gaps in the research that your expertise could fill? Have any of your interests already been explored?
Literature searching is time intensive and takes practice. However, it is well worth the effort to learn.
Most formal literature searches in the academic context are performed in library databases.
Need a refresher?
Whether you are performing your first literature search or need a refresher, our librarians have created a tutorial for you. Learn how to develop a research question, translate the question to search databases and more.
Our Literature Search Service
All UNT Health Science Center faculty and staff may request an expert literature search coordinated by the professional staff of Lewis Library.
Library team members are ready to assist with refining research topics, search term identification, developing search strategies, recommending information sources or databases, and execution of searches.
Please note there is high demand for this service and a limited number of staff. Please allow the library a turn-around time of at least 7-10 business days for search requests. Delivery times will vary depending on the search queue and scope of searches. Patient care requests are given priority in the literature search queue.
UNTHSC Students
Lewis Library staff does not perform literature searches for students enrolled in one of our academic programs.
UNTHSC Faculty & Staff
The library will collaborate with faculty and staff by supporting literature searches for the following:
- Patient Care Support for UNT Health
- UNTHSC Affiliated Publications (Case report, Narrative Review, etc.)
- Grant Seeking and ongoing HSC research projects
- Curriculum development activities
UNTHSC faculty/staff enrolled in an accredited college/university course, or working on professional presentations, posters, or professional development, can request training on searching databases/resources by contacting AskALibrarian@unthsc.edu.
What you’ll Receive
Patient care searches will receive full text documentation to assist with evidence-based support. All other searches will include an annotated list of citations along with instructions for accessing full text copies as needed.
Disclaimer Results of database and/or internet searches are subject to the limitations of the databases and websites searched. Results are limited by the details you provide in your search request. It is the responsibility of the requester to determine the accuracy, validity, and the interpretation of search results. By submitting a search request, you are acknowledging that you have read this disclaimer and understand the limitations of database/internet searching.
Request a Literature search
The library will collaborate with faculty and staff by supporting literature searches for the following:
- Patient Care Support for UNT Health
- UNTHSC Affiliated Publications (Case report, Narrative Review, etc.)
- Grant Seeking and ongoing HSC research projects
- Curriculum development activities
- Quality Improvement Initiatives and Projects