We want to hear from you! User feedback is invaluable as we continue to refine the guide!
This Library Guide is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International Generic License.
After reviewing this section, the reader will:
The literature search is a key component of the Research Cycle. Searching the literature is similar to taking a trip. The suggested steps can be likened to a roadmap. The searcher needs to understand the trip’s purpose, plan how to reach the destination, and be able to take an alternate route, as well as retrace the steps taken back to the original starting point. Steps include:
(Jankowski, 2008; Patrick & Munro, 2004; Waltho, Kaur, Haynes, Farrokhyar, & Thoma, 2015)
Search strategy worksheets are available to organize the search plan and keep track of the search process.
The following two forms can be found by searching the book, Evidenced-Based Practice in Action: Comprehensive Strategies, Tools, and Tips from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, below.
Cullen, L., Hanrahan, K., Sigma Theta Tau International, Farrington, M., DeBerg, J., Tucker, S., & Kleiber, C. (2018). Evidence-Based Practice In Action: Comprehensive Strategies, Tools, and Tips From The University of Iowa Hospitals And Clinics. Indianapolis, IN: Sigma Theta Tau International.
Jankowski, T. A. (2008). The Medical Library Association Essential Guide to Becoming an Expert Searcher: Proven Techniques, Strategies, and Tips for Finding Health Information. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers.
Patrick, L. J., & Munro, S. (2004). The literature review: demystifying the literature search. Diabetes Educ, 30(1), 30-34, 36-38. doi:10.1177/014572170403000106
Waltho, D., Kaur, M. N., Haynes, R. B., Farrokhyar, F., & Thoma, A. (2015). Users' guide to the surgical literature: how to perform a high-quality literature search. Can J Surg, 58(5), 349-358. doi:10.1503/cjs.017314