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English Literature: researching your dissertation: Home

This guide gives an overview of the range of resources available to you when researching your dissertation topic. Topics covered include developing effective search strategies and finding scholarly primary and secondary source material.

What if the book you want is only available in print?

Although the Library building is open for Click and Collect book access, and Study Spaces, we are aware that lots of students are now sturying remotely and you will need to follow the government's Stay at Home guidance. This means that you should not travel if it is not essential.

If the book that you need is only available in the University Library, please contact Kim to find out if an electronic version can be purchased or accessed. We may be able to get hold of books through a range of difference routes, but this will depend on the book - so please get in touch to ask if you need a book that you cannot read online: k.coles@reading.ac.uk 

Starting your dissertation research

This guide aims to provide an overview of the range of Library resources available to you when researching your dissertation topic. Topics covered include developing effective search strategies and finding scholarly primary and secondary source material.

The video tutorial below, 'Starting your research', provides useful advice on how to begin your research.

Getting further help

  • Your Academic Liaison Librarian
    If you need further help then get in touch with your academic liaison librarian, Kim Coles, to book a meeting to discuss how to find and make the best use of Library resources related to your dissertation topic.
  • Study advice
    The Study Advice Team are based in the Library. They offer study guides, workshops, individual advice sessions, and much more to make your studying more effective and successful. See the Study Advice website for more information.

 

Read the script for the video (PDF)

Your librarian

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Kim Coles
Contact:
If you would like help with a specific research question, finding information for an assignment, an introduction to using the library, or help with referencing and EndNote, make an appointment.



You can also join a quick query drop-in session each Tuesday between 2-3pm, and Friday between 10-11am - please email me for a joining link.
+44 (0) 118 378 3410
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Writing successful reports and dissertations