Writing Literature Reviews   Tags: education_research, educational_research, lit_review, literature_review  

A literature review is a collection of prior research conducted on a topic.    It is a central component of the research process when writing articles, theses, or dissertations as it provides a foundation for your research.

Scroll down to find books, Websites and database resources to help you write your literature review.

 Also check out the Articles section of the research guide in your subject area for additional database options.  

GSU Theses/Dissertations:

To search for print copies: 

• Use the GIL Online Catalog.  Select the keyword search option and type in "dissertations" as a keyword.   You may also search for dissertations on a particular topic by entering the topic in the 1st search box and dissertations in the 2nd search box.

To search for online copies:  

• Browse or search GSU's Electronic Theses & Dissertations database which houses theses and dissertations full-text online with coverage from 2004.   You may also find out how to submit your theses or dissertation to the database.

U.S. Theses/Dissertations

To search for print/online copies:

• Use the  Dissertation & Theses: A&I database.  You will be required to enter your Campus ID for off-campus access.     Dissertations published from 1980 forward include 350- word abstracts written by the author. Master's theses published from 1988 forward include 150-word abstracts. Titles available in PDF formats include free twenty-four page previews. UMI offers over 1.8 million titles for purchase in microform, paper or electronic formats.   You may also request to borrow a copy through Interlibrary Loan if you are GSU faculty, student, or staff.

The linked catalogs below offer access to online catalogs with keyword and exact searching for materials at GSU and beyond.  

To request books with the status of "checked out" in GIL: click on the Recall this book from your local library link at the bottom of the GIL catalog record page.  

To request books in GIL Express: click on the Request link at the top of the GIL Express catalog record page. 

To request books found in WorldCat that are not available via GIL or GIL Express: submit an Interlibrary Loan request form.

Electronic databases and journals can be accessed off-campus by entering your Campus ID login at the prompt as you click on a link from the library website or this research guide.   If you need to find out what your Campus ID login is, click here .

For GIL account access and requesting materials from GIL Express or ILLiad (Interlibrary Loan), you will need your Library ID.  This is on the back of your PantherCard and is also retrieveable here.

For troubleshooting help and more:Off-Campus Password & Login Information