What are the most effective library research strategies for developing countries?

2 Use online databases and search engines

One of the main advantages of online research is that it can provide you with access to a wide range of library resources from different countries and disciplines. However, not all online resources are reliable, relevant, or free. Therefore, you need to use some criteria to evaluate and select the best online sources for your research. Some of the criteria are authority, accuracy, currency, coverage, and purpose. You can use online databases and search engines that specialize in academic research, such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, or Web of Science. These platforms can help you find peer-reviewed articles, books, reports, and other types of publications. You can also use advanced search features, such as filters, operators, and citations, to refine your results and find more specific sources.

3 Access open access and low-cost resources

One of the main challenges of library research in developing countries is the limited access to paid or subscription-based resources. However, there are some alternatives that can help you access high-quality resources without paying a fee or requiring a login. One of them is open access, which refers to the free and unrestricted availability of research outputs online. You can find open access resources in various platforms, such as DOAJ, OAPEN, or Directory of Open Access Books. Another option is low-cost or subsidized access, which refers to the reduced or waived fees for researchers or institutions in developing countries. You can find low-cost or subsidized access resources in various initiatives, such as Research4Life, EIFL, or INASP.

4 Use offline resources and networks

Online research is not the only way to access and use library resources. Sometimes, you may need to use offline resources and networks, such as physical libraries, interlibrary loans, or personal contacts. These methods can help you access resources that are not available online, such as rare books, archives, or local publications. They can also help you save money, time, or bandwidth. To use offline resources and networks, you need to identify the libraries or institutions that have the resources you need, contact them to request access or loan, and follow their policies and procedures. You can also use your personal or professional contacts, such as colleagues, mentors, or friends, to ask for recommendations, referrals, or copies of resources.

6 Evaluate and synthesize your resources

The final step of library research is to evaluate and synthesize your resources. This means that you need to critically analyze and compare your sources, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and integrate them into your own argument or perspective. To evaluate and synthesize your resources, you can use various techniques, such as summarizing, paraphrasing, quoting, or synthesizing. These techniques will help you extract the main ideas, evidence, and arguments from your sources, and present them in your own words and voice. They will also help you avoid plagiarism, acknowledge your sources, and support your claims.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?