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Getting started using the Library

We offer online information resources, four libraries, and library staff who can provide you with help. Use this guide for an introduction to our resources and services. Discover how you can find information and get the most from RCN library and archive services.

Last updated: 19/02/2021

Library search tools

Library search
  • An easy to use search for journal articles, books and eBooks. Use the 'I'm looking for' box in the centre of the screen.
    Open Library search
Library search overview
Using Library search to link to full text journal articles
Library search guide

Video tutorials

Literature searching video tutorials
  • You can find our full range of video tutorials here. These offer guidance on using our website and searching for online journals.
    View page

Books

These books include chapters about literature searching and using libraries.
Aveyard, H, Sharp, P and Woolliams, M. (2015) A beginner’s guide to critical thinking and writing in health and social care Aveyard H, Sharp, P and Woolliams M (2015) A beginner’s guide to critical thinking and writing in health and social care. 2nd edn. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Boyd C (2014) Study skills for nurses Boyd C and Murray B (2014) Study skills for nurses. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.
Cottrell S (2019) The study skills handbook (5th edition), London: Macmillan International Higher Education. Cottrell S (2019) The study skills handbook. 5th edn. London: Macmillan International Higher Education.
Northrop M (2015) Studying for a foundation degree in health. Northrop M (2015) Studying for a foundation degree in health. London: Routledge.
Pears R (2019) Cite them right: the essential referencing guide (11th edition), London: Red Globe Press. Pears R and Shields G (2019) Cite them right: the essential referencing guide. 11th edn. London: Red Globe Press.

Book subject searches

Use this link to see details of books the RCN libraries hold on the topic.

Accessing eBooks

Journal articles

Chalkley A (2019) How libraries and librarians can help you, British Journal of Healthcare Assistants, 13(9), pp. 427–429.
Watson M (2020) How to undertake a literature search: a step-by-step guide, British Journal of Nursing, 29(7), pp. 431–435.
Key J (2020) How to undertake a literature search: enhancing your search, British Journal of Nursing, 29(8), pp. 481–483.

Evaluating information

Bedford D (2018) Anatomy of a journal article. 
  • This online resource explains the sections commonly used in research articles. Understanding how research articles are organised can make reading and evaluating them easier.
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Medical Research Council, Chief Scientist Office and University of Glasgow: Understanding Health Research.
  • A tool designed to help people understand and review health research and to decide how dependable and relevant it is. The tool will guide you through a series of questions which will help you to evaluate a research article.
    View page

Accessibility resources

MyStudyBar
  • MyStudyBar is free assistive software to help learners with literacy-related difficulties including dyslexia. It can offer potential benefits to all learners. It includes mind mapping software, a text to audio reader and screen colour overlays. My StudyBar only works on Windows PCs. It is free to download and can be used from a USB stick.
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Gribben, M (2012) The study skills toolkit for students with dyslexia Gribben M (2012) The study skills toolkit for students with dyslexia. London: SAGE.

Critical appraisal

Royal College of Nursing: Critical Appraisal subject guide

Referencing

Use the referencing guidelines from the organisation that you are writing for. If you are studying, use your university’s referencing guidelines. Each university and organisation uses a unique referencing style, even if it is based on Harvard.
Using the referencing tool on Library search
Anglia Ruskin University: Harvard referencing system
Imperial College London: Vancouver referencing system
RCN Library staff

Alan Chalkley

Editor of this guide

RCN Library and Archive Service


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Page last updated - 19/02/2021

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