Tackling a new topic?
If you are unsure of where to start, try looking for a review article first. Review articles attempt to summarize the state of research on a scientific topic. While lengthy & not generally including the very latest research, review articles can be a great way to start to get a handle on a topic. Many databases will allow you to limit your search to include only review articles or literature reviews. There are a number of approaches to searching:
Don't overlook the literature cited at the end of the review - the bibliography contains a wealth of information about the key discoveries & main researchers in the field.
Find more databases of Key Resources by Subject:
The subject guides are a rich source of information for research in the field, containing links not just to articles but to statistics and more. Databases specific to your discipline provide better access to articles, improved searching, and other additional services that can help guide your research.
Examples of what you may find in the subject guides:
Can't find an article: To request a copy of a journal article that the library doesn't have, please use the ILLiad request form. Most often, an electronic copy of the article is emailed to you within 2-4 days.
Online references are typically sources of information that covers a broad range of topics, such as an encyclopedia. A selection of online reference are listed below. You can also browse the complete list on the library's web site.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism are all important topics which cannot be properly discussed in one small section. Instead, this section serves to connect you to relevant research guides and webpages on these topics.
The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Guide (DEI) seeks to connect students, staff, faculty and community members to resources related to DEI work that is available throughout Northeastern University Library, Northeastern University, and the surrounding community.
The Anti-Racism Guide seeks to connect students, staff, faculty, and community members to resources related to anti-racism work that are available through Northeastern University Library and Northeastern University.
The Diversity and Anti-Racism in STEM page provides resources for promoting anti-racism and supporting diversity and inclusion in the sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. For resources in a specific discipline, please check out the guides below:
This webpage was designed to help students communicate their technical work---writing, presentations and with media. The guidelines include background information and advice on Assessing the Audience, with guidelines for Correspondence and Report formats.
A great way to learn more about essential tools that will help you in your research is to check out the numerous library research tutorials. Listed below are a few of these tutorials, please refer to the full list of tutorials to find specific videos you may need.
Click on the name of the subject specialist below for their contact information and subject guides:
There are other ways to contact a librarian for help: