How can I research?

Finding suitable literature for your topic depends on the right search in the library catalogs. First, search for authors and keywords you already know in connection with your topic, e.g., from seminars or entries in reference works.

There are different catalogs and research options you should become familiar with.

The library supports you with training sessions, e.g., on literature research.

Finding literature in the university library

The university library is an indispensable part of your research. It offers numerous databases that go beyond the OPAC.

The available databases in the library also help when searching for articles, e.g., journal articles, conference papers, and other documents.

Through the Electronic Journals Library (EZB), you have access to the titles and in some cases the full texts of articles. The faculty also provides numerous print journals – you can find the latest issues on the ground floor of the library.

You can find more information about the library’s services on its website.

If you also search the Bavarian Library Network, you will have access to all academic libraries in Bavaria and can order publications via interlibrary loan.

Further tips

In the Social Sciences, the following databases are also useful:

• For social science topics: Sowiport, Wiso-Net.
• For educational topics: German Education Index, FIS-Bildung.
• For psychological topics: PsyJournals.
• For legal issues: Beck-online.
• For English-language or international research: EBSCO (Academic Search Elite), ERIC.
• For statistics: Statista.

Sometimes online searches provide the first access to a topic. However, a simple Google search does not replace systematic research for suitable academic literature.

Follow the library’s additional tips in the article Effective research: Tips and tools for getting started.

Frequently asked questions

Der Beitrag Starting Researching erschien zuerst auf Online Writing Lab.