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Search & evaluate

The library maintains and makes available information on a wide range of scientific topics pertinent to your studies at KI. Here you will find printed books, but above all a large selection of databases, journals and other e-resources. We are happy to help you find and evaluate information.

Prepare your search

Prepare your search

Why, what, and where should you search? Overview guidance for different types of searches, such as structured searches, finding research (for background), or finding evidence. Also, how to formulate your research question, as well as a comprehensive list of useful search paths.

Search terms

Search terms

Start from the main concepts in your research question when you gather keywords to include in your database search. Build search blocks by collecting free text words and controlled subject terms, using test searches and key articles.

Search techniques

Search techniques

There are general search principles that work in most databases: Boolean operators, truncation, phrase searching, field searching, etc. Use our guides for different databases to see what applies in the one you are searching in. Further improve your search with our checklists to broaden or narrow down a search.

Evaluating sources

Evaluating sources

Choosing reliable sources in healthcare and medicine is vital. Be aware that scientific information can be published in various ways. Learn to recognize, evaluate, and critically review a scientific article. How can one tell, for example, if an article has undergone peer review?

Presenting your search strategy

Presenting your search strategy

Reporting one’s search is part of conducting a review. The search strategy should be described so that the choices made can be reviewed and the search can be repeated. This is done through a transparent presentation of the final search and the methodological choices made along the way.

 

Systematic reviews - for researchers

Systematic reviews - for researchers

Are you conducting a systematic review? On this page, we will review a few things worth thinking about when you intend to conduct and report a systematic literature search.

Support in information searching

Are you looking for scientific articles or writing references and need advice? You can get help from our librarians. We offer both drop-in via Zoom and booked consultations.

Opening hours booked & drop-in support in Zoom

The drop-in is closed during summer (9 June – 17 August). 

Search requests for researchers

If you are a researcher and need help with literature searches, for example in a systematic review, please contact the search group.