Start Here: Navigating the Library Resource Guide
This Library Resource Guide is designed to be used alongside LibrarySearch. Some of the content of the resources are covered by LibrarySearch but not all. Most of the resources covered in this guide are behind paywalls but are freely available to you via the library webpages. All our digital resources are also listed on the Digital Resource Directory so please have a look there also for a more extensive list of what is available.
When you do research, you have to gather information and evidence from a variety of sources. The guide is structured along the idea of starting your research journey by developing your understanding of your research topic by consulting reference resources. Once you have a deeper understanding you move on to consult existing research in books and journal articles and exploring primary sources and archive collections.
Background, context and reference sources: Start your research journey by building an overview of your topic and help you establish suitable keywords. These resources are also great when you need to get a quick overview of a topic or author in preparation for a seminar.
Secondary sources, criticisms and journal articles: This area contains our secondary sources, which provide commentary from other researchers who describe, interpret, or synthesize primary sources. Here you can also find some of our eBook collections by topic.
Primary texts: this area list our digital resources that provide original works of fiction, poetry and plays.
Primary sources: this area of the guide provides raw information and first-hand evidence that has not been interpreted and analysed. Examples include interview transcripts, letters, memoirs, diaries etc. Primary research gives you direct access to the subject of your research.
Key resources
- ProQuest One Literature is a good place to start as it contains both reference, criticisms and primary sources.
- MLA International Bibliography is the other key database that also covers literature, literary theory and criticism
- There is also a page that lists some of the most useful resources for Creative writing.
More advice on research skills
On Moodle there is a guide DP23000: Library Research Skills that can help you structure your research.
At the top of this page are also some links with advice on MHRA referencing, using your digital library, checking if we have access to a specific resource you found on the web, and how to use our eBooks.
Please email ArtsHumsLibrary@kent.ac.uk if you need any help or have any questions.