Research Guides: Literature Review: Track Your Work

Document Your Search Process

Keep a list of:

Where you searched (name of database, catalog, etc.)
When you searched
Search terms and combinations of terms that were successful
Search terms and combinations of terms that were not successful
Searches or leads you want to pursue next

Template for Critical Analysis of the Literature
Take notes on the articles as you read them and identify any themes or concepts that may apply to your research question.
Example of a Synthesis Matrix
A synthesis matrix helps you record the main points of each source and document how sources relate to each other. After summarizing and evaluating your sources, arrange them in a matrix to help you see how they relate to each other, and apply to each of your themes or variables. By arranging your sources in a matrix by theme or variable, you can see how your sources relate to each other, and can start thinking about how you weave them together to create a narrative.

RSS Feeds & Search Alerts

RSS (which stands for Rich Site Summary, or more commonly Really Simple Syndication) is a way to keep current on websites which frequently update their content. RSS feeds are available for news sites including specific sections such as breaking news or sports (e.g. Reuters, The Associated Press, and The Chronicle of Higher Education).

Look for the orange RSS symbol -- -- and click on it for the feed URL you can paste into the "Add Feeds" section of your feed reader.

Set up alerts in many library databases