Finding and managing research information
Finding information
As a researcher, you will need to find a wide range of information for a number of research activities, such as:
- supporting your research grant application;
- underpinning your research proposal; and
- writing a literature review.
The library subscribes to over 200 databases that provide access to a wide range of resources in all disciplines. The library guides Getting Started With Your Literature Review and Keeping Your Research Up to Date provide further assistance in this area.
The University houses several archives that will be of interest in selected specialist areas. Detailed information is on the library's Special Collections webpages .
Searching the library's resources and beyond may retrieve references to material not stocked by NTU. You can request these items by completing the 'Get My Book' or 'Get My Journal Article' online forms . You can also register for the SCONUL Access scheme to visit other academic libraries. The majority of participating libraries will allow you to borrow a limited number of books.
Managing information
As a researcher you will collect, read, and review a large amount of literature and information. You will want to ensure that your use of research materials is ethical and that you develop an efficient workflow for managing information.
Ethical use of information
The library guide Copyright for Researchers provides advice on the use of third party copyright materials within your work.
Referencing styles and standards
There are many different methods of citing and referencing sources in your text. You should follow any guidance given to you in your research handbook or by your publisher. Visit the library's referencing page for more detailed information on referencing styles used at NTU and Citing references: a guide to NTU library Harvard style.
Reference management software
During the course of a research project you will collect, read, and review a large amount of literature and information. Reference management software can help you to manage and organise this information, share references with collaborators, and generate citations and references during the writing process.
RefWorks is the reference management software available to NTU students and researchers. The RefWorks user guide provides a step-by-step introduction to creating an account and using it with different databases.
There are a wide range of products, many of which are free, to help you manage your references. Contact your Research Support Librarian to discuss which product best meets your needs.