Academic Information Searching : Methods, Sources and Documentation (HUM/SAMF) (2023)

    Welcome to Academic Information Searching - Methods, Sources and Documentation (HUM/SAMF) 2023

    Description: The objective of this course is to provide an understanding of the various aspects that are important when searching for literature as part of your PhD.

    We recommend that you take this course in the beginning of your PhD.

    The course covers these areas:

    • Structured literature search – How to apply a structured method to prepare and carry out your search e.g. for a literature review
    • Evaluating and organising your search - How to prepare and apply relevant criteria for assessing and documenting the search results. How reference management tools can facilitate the process of organising search results
    • Other perspectives on searching – How to use text mining, citation search and other tools to find relevant literature


    The course is a “toolbox for research”-course with a mix of presentations and hands-on activities, either individually focusing on your own PhD-project or in small groups with a shared focus. Remember to bring your computer.

    Preparation prior to the course: Please read the articles on the reading list (in the folder "Course Documents"). 

    Assignments: There will be both class activities and a home assignment. The home assignment will be introduced during the course. You are required to complete the assignment after the course and hand it in by a specific date, usually a week later.

    Accommodation: There will be coffee and tea during the day. You will have to bring your own lunch. Alternatively, you can buy food at the canteen at Kroghstræde 3.

    Course language: English

    Organizers: Louise Thomsen, M.Li.Sc. e-mail: lt@aub.aau.dk 

    Lecturers: Helle Brink, M.Li.Sc. e-mail: hb@aub.aau.dk, Gitte Thomsen M.Li.Sc. e-mail: gt@aub.aau.dk and Louise Thomsen, M.Li.Sc. e-mail: lt@aub.aau.dk 

    ECTS: 1

    Time: 29 Match 2023 

    Place: Aalborg University

    Zip code:     9220

    City: Aalborg

    Number of seats: 20

    Deadline: 08 Match 2023

    Important information concerning PhD courses: We have over some time experienced problems with no-show for both project and general courses. It has now reached a point where we are forced to take action. Therefore, the Doctoral School has decided to introduce a no-show fee of DKK 3.000 for each course where the student does not show up. Cancellations are accepted no later than 2 weeks before start of the course. Registered illness is of course an acceptable reason for not showing up on those days. Furthermore, all courses open for registration approximately four months before start. This can hopefully also provide new students a chance to register for courses during the year. We look forward to your registrations.