Are you starting a literature or systematic review and could you use some help? The University Library is here to help. Our information specialists and faculty liaisons can provide expert advice and guide you through setting up your research.
What is a literature review?
A literature review involves systematically identifying the studies that have already been published on your topic. This often serves as the starting point for your research master’s project, dissertation, or academic article.
A carefully conducted literature review can help you:
- identify gaps in knowledge within your field;
- avoid duplicating research;
- formulate your research question more precisely.
How can the Library support you?
An information specialist or faculty liaison can advise you on the following:
- which (subject-specific) databases best suit your topic;
- collecting and refining relevant search terms;
- translating your research question into a search profile that you can use to search multiple databases;
- exporting and managing citations in a reference manager such as RefWorks.
Who is this support for?
Support for literature reviews is intended for researchers affiliated with Erasmus University Rotterdam.
- Research master students and PhD candidates
If you are just starting your literature review, you can submit a request to an information specialist. - Postdocs and more experienced researchers
Contact the faculty liaison for your discipline directly for personalised advice. - Lecturers and PhD supervisors may also request support from an information specialist on behalf of a research master student or PhD candidate.
If you are affiliated with Erasmus MC, please contact the Medical Library.
E-module: a step-by-step guide to conducting a literature review
Check out our e-module Doing the literature review for a step-by-step guide to conducting a literature review.
The module covers topics such as the different types of literature review, searching databases, and developing search strategies. You will also learn how to cite sources, report on your search process, and write and structure your research. Finally, you will receive tips on knowing when to stop searching and start writing.
For staff members of Erasmus University Rotterdam
The University Library’s Future Library Lab supports researchers with topic modelling of literature collected during their research. Visit the Research Support Portal for practical and detailed information. This portal is accessible to EUR staff only (via MyEUR).