Getting started and discovering information

The Library provides access to the world’s research through a huge range of print and digital resources. Whether you’re researching from your desk or from one of our Library spaces these pages are designed to give you a head start.

Getting started

Each department has its own librarian to advise you on where and how to search. Need an introduction to using Library services and facilities?

Find Library contacts

Discover research

Find out what’s available to support your research here at Sheffield. Read more about our discovery tools and unique collections.

Get support

Preparing your literature or systematic review

The literature review is a key component of a dissertation or thesis, setting the scene for your own work by identifying significant research and themes and identifying gaps in the literature.

Learn about literature reviews

Keeping up-to-date

Once you’ve perfected your search strategy, set up alerts so you’re emailed when new material on your topic is published. Use BrowZine to read the latest issues of your key journals.

Searching beyond Sheffield

There may be instances where the University of Sheffield Library does not have access to material that you need for your research. In these cases, there are a number of options available to you.

See research resources

The University Library