A literature review is a critical evaluation of what has been published on a topic by accredited scholars and researchers.
In other words literature reviews are secondary sources, and as such, do not report any new or original experimental work. Thus, a literature review is not descriptive but analytical in nature
Need additional reading material? Use the Summon Library Catalogue.
Identify and type keywords for your topic in the search block (see the example below)
Your results will include books, e-books, journal articles, and other material. Explore the results, refine your search, select the relevant items and view, request or download.
Example
Identify keywords for your topic to create a search strategy to use when searching a database. You might find the How to search LibGuide helpful in compiling your own search strategies.
Databases are available @: http://www.unisa.ac.za/library > Find e-resources > click on Resources by subject
Choose the subject relevant to your topic.
Many databases will have a list of terms, usually listed as a thesaurus that you can browse for alternative keywords.
We have also compiled the following guides which will be useful when searching for relevant resources.
Click on the links below for more information:
A literature search is a reading list on a research topic. We consult South African and international information resources to find material that is relevant to your research topic. To request a literature search:
Please click here to submit your literature search request.
Sign in with your myLife email address and myUnisa password. (If you are already logged into office 365 with a different account / profile, please log out from Office 365 and log in again with your myLife credentials.)
Complete the form and click on Submit once
OR
Check your myLife mailbox for the acknowledgement email.
Please note: If you cannot access the form:
If you are still experiencing problems please use this link.
Important: This form may only be used to request a literature search.
If you have a short reference question, please click here.
Clients with visual disabilities:
The form to request a literature search in myUnisa is accessible to screen readers such as JAWS and NVDA. You can also click the Immersive reader option at the top of the screen. If you still experience difficulty in accessing the form, please contact us at lib-search@unisa.ac.za.
No single library has the capacity to own or subscribe to all the print and electronic publications or databases available.
The Interlibrary Loan service is available free of charge to staff and registered M and D students of Unisa.
If you request an item that is not available in the Collection of the Unisa Library, your request will be referred automatically to the Interlibrary Loans staff to find out if it is available at another local or international library, or to purchase the item for the Collection.
More information on how to request material not available in the Unisa Library.
Selected lists of Research Methodology Books and Summon Library Catalogue search results on research methodology.
Reference management tools help you organise and store your citations. They assist you to keep track of your sources including those that have been exported from other databases. They also allow you to generate your bibliography for your assignment or research project.
Copyright & plagiarism
The Copyright Law of South Africa (Copyright Act 98 of 1978) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. One of the conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction may be used only for the purpose of private study, scholarship or research.
Please familiarise yourself with the Policy for Copyright Infringement and Plagiarism.
Research ethics