Getting started using the Library

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.
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Library search overview

Using Library search to link to full text journal articles

Library search guide

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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.
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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. 2nd edn. Maidenhead: Open University Press.

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Boyd C and Murray B (2014) Study skills for nurses. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

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• Borrow from RCN Library services

Cottrell S (2019) The study skills handbook. 5th edn. London: Macmillan International Higher Education.

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• Borrow from RCN Library services

Northrop M (2015) Studying for a foundation degree in health. London: Routledge.

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Pears R and Shields G (2019) Cite them right: the essential referencing guide. 11th edn. London: Red Globe Press.

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• Borrow from RCN Library services

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

• Study skills

Chalkley A (2019) How libraries and librarians can help you, British Journal of Healthcare Assistants, 13(9), pp. 427–429.

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Watson M (2020) How to undertake a literature search: a step-by-step guide, British Journal of Nursing, 29(7), pp. 431–435.

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Key J (2020) How to undertake a literature search: enhancing your search, British Journal of Nursing, 29(8), pp. 481–483.

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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.
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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. London: SAGE.

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• Borrow from RCN Library services

Royal College of Nursing: Critical Appraisal subject guide

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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

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Imperial College London: Vancouver referencing system

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