What if I don't find enough information in the library?

How do I find more research?

Last Updated: Jan 13, 2025     Views: 25

While the University Library is not a repository of all information ever published, the lack of literature is rarely a real problem. The limited number of results may be due to other reasons.

You haven’t exhausted all the search strategies available.

  • Full-text articles only. Be sure to uncheck the Full Text box. This will ensure that you see all the sources in the search results on your topic, not just those available in full text in our library. Use the Request a Document service to request the article's full text.
  • Advanced searching. The databases' Advanced Search feature can help you broaden or narrow down your results.
  • Database selection. Search the Research Databases for databases that may be related to your topic. Use the Subject or the Types dropdown to filter the database lists.
  • Re-evaluate keywords. Using overly specific keywords will limit your results. Consider using synonyms and related terms to expand your search.

You need to go beyond the database search.

  • Check reference lists (citation chaining). Check the reference lists of articles that you already have, which can lead you to other relevant articles. This is called citation chaining. Use the Request a Document service to request the article's full text.
  • Consult with the experts. Faculty, colleagues, and researchers in your field may be able to provide insight and tips to expand your research into relevant areas that you may not have considered.

You need to expand the limits of your search.

While there may not be studies on your exact topic, you can expand your research to related literature. For example, a researcher is investigating the use of artificial intelligence in the retail sector and its impact on customer service. Perhaps the researcher can only find one article about this specific topic. Will that article be the literature review? No. The researcher can expand into related subject areas. There is related information on the impact of technology on retail and customer service or the use of artificial intelligence for customer service in other industries.

In the end, it may be that it’s not that there is no literature published about your topic, but that you need to think more broadly about what is needed and relevant to it and put the pieces together in a way that supports the research you will be conducting.

You may also need to examine your topic more objectively and explore why nothing has been written about it. Could the topic be too specialized and hasn’t been considered worthy of study? You should discuss your concerns with your advisor or instructor.

Check out our How Do I guides for more information on searching our databases and researching a literature review. You'll find tips and strategies to make searching in the library easier.


If you need additional assistance with your research or have another question, please Ask Us!