Course resource help for Pathways programmes

Quick access

Resources

Need help? Contact your librarian

Please get in touch if you have any queries about:

  • finding information and resources for assignments
  • finding online resources
  • referencing your sources

Joanna Cooksey

jcooksey@brookes.ac.uk

Joanna is the Librarian for Foundation, Pre-Master's, University English and Academic English programmes. She works sometimes on Headington campus and sometimes from home. Please email jcooksey@brookes.ac.uk in the first instance. If you need a 1-to-1 appointment we can then arrange one either face-to-face or via Zoom or Google Meet. Her usual working hours are 8.00 - 16.00, Monday - Friday.

Referencing

Check Cite Them Right

Citing your sources (also called referencing) is an essential part of your academic work and is explained fully on our page Reference and avoid plagiarism.

Cite Them Right shows you how to reference a wide range of sources (books, journal articles, web sites) in exactly the same Harvard style used at Brookes. It includes a Sample text and reference list using the Harvard style 

The Library also has a printed guide to Brookes Harvard based on Cite Them Right that you can download (Word and PDF versions available).

Referencing tools

How to save and cite sources in LibrarySearch (Google slides)

Endnote is a tool for storing and organising your references, and it will also work with Word or Pages to create a fully formatted bibliography from your reference library.

NB Other referencing guides and apps are widely available but be aware that not all Harvard styles are the same as ours. Make sure you check your references against Cite Them Right.

How to

New students

How to find and borrow books:
  • Use LibrarySearch - check our video guide (on the right) for more help
  • Finding your material shows you how to understand call numbers and look for books on the library shelves.
  • Borrowing and returning tells you about borrowing books
  • A guide to finding books and eBooks in Brookes Library Word file and PDF also shows you how to find books on the shelves.

Find sources for your assignments

Check the Google slides (on the left) for tips on how to find resources for your Foundation, Pre-Master's and University English assignments.

These guides may also help:

Use databases to find academic articles

What are databases?

Databases are search engines that can help you find high quality sources like journal articles. Use them when you are researching a topic to find academic sources.

Which databases should I use?

Each database covers a different collection of sources. Some databases cover specific subjects, others are much broader. Below are some highly recommended databases. They are all on the available on a web platform called EBSCO and they look the same. The video guide (right) shows you how to search any of these EBSCO databases.

Key database for any subject: Academic Search Complete

Key database for business topics: Business Source Complete

Other useful EBSCO databases:

If you're researching a business topic, check the section Business databases below for more resources. 

Business databases

1) How to find business journal articles

Key database: Business Source Complete

This is a huge database that contains articles from academic journals, trade journals and magazines, reports, country profiles, industry profiles, and company profiles on all aspects of business including management.

Other useful databases

  • Emerald Insight This is a collection of academic and theoretical articles on management, business strategy and training, published by Emerald. You should find most of these listed on Business Source Complete.
  • Hospitality and Tourism Complete (via EBSCO) Articles from academic journals and trade magazines relating specifically to the Hospitality and Tourism sectors. Most articles are available in full text.

Business Source Complete and Hospitality & Tourism Complete are available on a web platform called EBSCO. This video guide shows you how to search any EBSCO database.

Group of students working in Brookes Library

2) How to find market research data

Man in a supermarket

Market research reports can help you find information about market trends, customer habits, competitive landscape, industry size and competitors, and much more.

Key database: Mintel 
This market research database contains industry, leisure, retail, travel and tourism reports for the UK, as well as information about UK consumers' lifestyles.

Other useful databases

Referencing market research reports

Check Cite Them Right for guidance on how to reference these online market research reports in the Harvard style used at Brookes.

3) How to find news articles

Factiva is an international news database. It covers national newspapers, local newspapers and web sources, as well as trade and professional journals and company financial details.

Check Cite Them Right for guidance on how to reference newspaper articles in the Harvard style used at Brookes.

Pair of glasses on top of stack of newspapers

4) How to find country information

World map

Annual country reports can be useful sources of information about the economic, political and social situation of individual countries and will include PESTLE analysis:

Use the database Business Source Complete to run a search for the country name plus 'country report' (e.g. Nigeria country report).

For further help, check this video guide produced by the Brookes Business Librarians

Explore the Course resource help page for your subject specialism

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