Dissertation research: how to find dissertation resources

Dissertation research necessitates finding credible sources of information that you can access for literature review and to write your dissertation. Dissertation resources refer to sources that are available in public libraries, encyclopedias, research centers, archives, online journals, and scholarly databases. Internet and digital technologies have revolutionized the realm of research. Many sources are available online now that you can access from the vicinity of your home. There is no need to manually search through library books or wait in long queues to access archival documents. However, you must be aware of the pitfalls of online information. Therefore, assessing the information before including it in your research is imperative. This article will tell you how to find dissertation resources and how to evaluate them.

What are the common dissertation resources?

Public libraries

Public libraries are becoming redundant because globally libraries are transitioning towards digitalized libraries. However, public libraries are still the traditional and most common dissertation resources. You can also access public libraries within your surroundings or your university library to find relevant sources. Though it is time-consuming, you can access some of the classics that might not be available online and provide you with profound information on the subject matter.

Archives

Archives are mostly owned by government organisations and, in some cases, by private entities. Archives include dissertation resources that you can access if you want to overview the historical documents and declassified data for your research. Governmental archives include important documents on the socio-political, economic, and historical developments of the past. You can use them for conducting primary research and shed new light on an under-discussed subject. Although archives require formal permissions and, in some countries, there are significant bureaucratic hurdles, nonetheless, it is one of the most authentic sources that can provide you with rich data.

Encyclopedias

Encyclopedias are useful dissertation resources that include ample information on various subjects. Encyclopedias are comprehensive and detailed and cover every aspect of the subject. They include definitions, theoretical and conceptual approaches, etymology, origins, and historical developments. Novice researchers who are building their expertise in a subject can access encyclopedias to gather information on the topic. You can find encyclopedias on almost every subject, including natural sciences, social sciences, arts, and humanities.

Research and Resource Centers

Research and resource centers are among the common dissertation resources that can provide you with rich data. Resource centers are called think tanks that research various social, political, and economic issues. Resource centers and think tanks also research natural sciences subjects and stay updated with the latest developments. You can access rich data from these sources and develop a holistic perspective on your topic.

Digital Libraries

Digital libraries are the most preferred dissertation resources by contemporary researchers. Digital libraries contain digitalized books on almost every subject and are quite handy for research. Researchers can access digital libraries with convenience and access and download relevant books. Many digital libraries, such as internet archives, provide access to millions of free books on every subject matter. However, some digital libraries also charge a subscription fee since they include the latest publications. Digital libraries are the most useful sources since you can access plenty of books and do not have to physically go to the library. It saves time and provides access to various sources of information.

Online Journals and Scholarly Databases

Online journals and scholarly databases are the most common dissertation resources. Online journals and scholarly databases comprise online research papers and articles on various subjects. These research papers are crucial for conducting a literature review. Online journals and scholarly databases contain recently published research papers. It helps in identifying the gaps and conducting a thorough literature review. Moreover, scholarly databases such as Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar can help you access millions of research papers. You can even set the relevance parameters to filter the most relevant results useful for your research.

How to access and download research papers and books for free?

In many cases, you might not be able to access dissertation resources freely, and you might be required to pay a subscription-free. However, there are some sources that you can use to access and download dissertation resources for free. Here are the following sources:

SciHub

SciHub is the most popular source for accessing research articles; you do not have to pay a dime. You only need a laptop and an internet connection to access dissertation resources. First, search for relevant sources through Google Scholar. Select the relevant source’s DOI (Digital Object Identifier) and copy it. Then, you can visit Scihub and paste the DOI on the search bar. Scihub will provide you with free access to the relevant article.

LibGen

Libgen is the most popular source for accessing books, research articles, and magazine articles. It is a useful platform for retrieving relevant data for your research. You can access almost every book that is relevant to your research. All you need to do is enter the relevant terms in the search bar. You can also use advanced search to access the dissertation resources.

How to evaluate the data sources?

Evaluating the data sources before including them in your research is imperative. You must verify the authenticity of the source. You can check the researcher’s credentials, associations, and expertise in the subject matter. It is imperative to evaluate each source before including it in the research. You can assess the methodology, assumptions, and findings of the researchers by subjecting them to critical scrutiny. Do not accept everything the author claims; it is imperative to question their assumptions because research is, after all, an exercise in critical thinking. However, if you cannot find the relevant dissertation resources and face any difficulties evaluating them, you can always get help from expert writers at Dissertation Help.

Conclusion

Books, journals, encyclopedias, archives, and resource centers are useful dissertation resources you can access for gathering data for your research. It is important to assess sources’ credibility and not fall prey to misinformation and inauthentic data.