Help

Things you should do before beginning your literature review

• Discuss your research with your thesis or dissertation advisor!
  
  Ask the following:
  
  * Does your advisor favor a particular format for the literature review? Will an annotated bibliography be required as an appendix to the review?
  
  * Is there a maximum or minimum number of sources that your review should include?
  
  * Does your advisor have a particular bias against particular types of resources? Does s/he prefer journal articles to books, or would s/he prefer that you NOT use web sites?
  
  * Can your advisor suggest some good examples of literature reviews written by other persons s/he has advised in the past that you could examine?
  
  * MOST IMPORTANTLY : does your advisor think that your topic is a worthwhile one, and will the degree-conferring department approve it?
  
  
  
• Make sure you're aware of all your library research options!
  
  * Learn about the University of Arizona Libraries' interlibrary loan and document delivery policies!
  
  * Learn about the University of Arizona Libraries' study carrels policy!
  
  * Find out who your library subject specialist is! (See the section on additional assistance to locate your subject specialist.)
  
  
  
• Become familiar with all University of Arizona policies on copyright, academic integrity and plagiarism!
  
  * Examine the University of Arizona Code of Academic Integrity and the Code of Conduct , paying special attention to the sections on plagiarism.
  
  * If you have any questions, contact your librarian or the UA Libraries' Copyright librarian.
  
  Dan Lee, UA Libraries' Copyright Librarian
  (520) 621-6433
  leed@u.library.arizona.edu
  
  UA Libraries' Copyright web page: http://www.library.arizona.edu/help/tutorials/copyright/