Supported literature search

If you have difficulties searching library databases, this service can provide help with:

finding references for assignments, including journal and newspaper articles, statistics and company information.
where a database provides the abstract of an article, we can check whether The Open University Library subscribes to the full text online and forward it if it is in a suitable format.

Please note

We will be unable to provide this service if the literature search forms part of your assessment, and alternative arrangements have already been made for you by your module team.

To make your request please fill in the form below.

To enable us to respond to your request as effectively as possible, please provide us with as much information as you can.

You are also welcome to contact the Library Helpdesk to discuss your requirements by:

Chatting to a Librarian (24/7)
Emailing the Library Helpdesk
phoning us on +44 (0)1908 659 001

Name ^*Required

Email address ^*Required

OUCU/OU Personal Identifier

Module code ^*Required

Phone

Date required ^*Required

Define your topic^*Required

Please provide more information than just the assignment title. You will know more about the subject than the Library Helpdesk, whose expertise is in finding information.

Provide a closely defined search question
Break your topic down into the areas you wish to research
Specify whether you are focussing on a particular angle

Keywords (One per line)^*RequiredTry to be as precise as possible when providing suitable keywords; don't use general keywords / terms e.g. "river pollution" rather than "pollution":

What kind of information you are looking for?

Quantity and quality of information required ^*Required

Introduction to topic

In depth research

Other relevant informatione.g. particular language, country, historical period or age group. If researching an education topic, what level? e.g. pre-school, primary, secondary, further, higher, adult education:

Which database or databases would you like us to search?

We appreciate that you have provided us with personal information, we will never sell on your data to anyone else and data is for the use of The Open University only. If you would like to find out more, please visit our privacy policy using the following link: www.open.ac.uk/privacy.