After you have completed your search and identified the results that you need, most databases allow you to print, save, export or email the article citation and abstract.
Save searches
Saving your searches is a crucial part of the research process and ensures:
Changes in your research focus are captured. This helps to document what has worked, and what has not
Easy re-running of searches
If publishing the review, essential details are available for writing the methodology section.
To save your searches, you will need to create a personal account within each database that you use. It is a good idea to use a naming convention for your saved searches. Include details of the search topic, the version number of the search, and the date on which you conducted the search.
Manage Results
The way that you record this information will depend on your personal preferences and research practices. Information is often recorded in an Excel spreadsheet or in a Word table. The most important thing is to find a method that works for you and to be consistent.
What should be recorded:
The full search strategy used. It is preferable to reproduce the strategy with a minimum of editing.
Any filters used
A list of all databases searched
The vendors for each database
The number of results retrieved
The date on which searches were run. For consistency in reporting database results, all searches should be conducted on the same date.
For more information on managing results visit the Researcher Skills Toolkit - search and manage results.
The way that you record the information you have located will depend on your personal preferences and research practices.
Information is often recorded in an Excel spreadsheet or in a Word table. The most important thing is to find a method that works for you and to be consistent.
Using a citation management program such as EndNote is a great way to keep track of the resources you locate in your research.
EndNote allows you to:
Visit the Endnote guide for more information and video tutorials.
For more information on managing results visit the Researcher Skills Toolkit - search and manage results.
Building accurate referencing skills is an essential part of university writing. Our referencing guides demonstrate how to get it right.
You can also find more information about how and why you need to reference correctly using our guides.