Literature searching in the field of disability
for students on the MA course Design Research for Disability
Embarking on a literature search
Some useful publications held in the Commercial Road Library
WHERE TO BEGIN
Before exploring external resources, familiarise yourself with relevant material pertinent to your project in London Metropolitan University libraries. A copy of the "Design for Disability Handbook" is a useful starting point. Use the Millennium terminals to subject search for titles held within the University libraries.
JOURNALS
Journal articles are an excellent source of up to date information and research. Often a useful bibliography is given at the end of an article. You may photocopy an article for private study purposes (see the notes about copyright displayed near copier machines).
INDEXES AND ABSTRACTS
These usually relate to a particular field of study, and enable you to trace articles on a given topic in a number of journals, without having to examine each journal individually. It is important to think of as many headings (terms) as possible under which material of interest may appear.
Indexes may use slightly different terms to ones that may occur to you (e.g. 'hearing impaired' rather than 'deaf').
Abstracting services, in addition to listing bibliographical details of articles, also abstract or summarise the contents of articles or books. This makes it easier to assess the relevance of the document before seeking it out.
These services are now mostly delivered via the Web [see Online Resources link below]
If you need further explanation of indexes and abstracts, click on this link: Indexes and Abstracts for Beginners
ONLINE RESOURCES, including online versions of indexing and abstracting services, are detailed more fully on a separate page.
Useful strategies for Literature searching: a summary:
1. Clarify your topic - select keywords or terms.
2. Explore the resources of the University libraries via the Millennium terminals.
3. Familiarise yourself with useful reference books, specialist and general.
4. Use other appropriate libraries as the need arises.
5. Use electronic databases where appropriate.
6. Keep proper records of literature relevant to your work, noting also where you found each item (e.g. personal copy, RNID Library, etc.)
7. Keep in close touch with appropriate staff and relevant external people.
8. If you need to request items on inter-library loan, please give as much notice as possible and furnish clear and accurate details.
Bookshops
Books concerning disability may be found in various sections of large bookshops. Additionally many organisations such as RADAR and Scope sell their own publications as well as a selection of material by other publishers. Publications lists and information sheets may often be obtained free of charge by visiting or contacting organisations. If writing to request information, it may expedite an answer if you enclose a large stamped self-addressed envelope.
SOME USEFUL PUBLICATIONS HELD IN THE COMMERCIAL ROAD LIBRARY
Section A deals with directories and general sources of information, while Section B is concerned with publications on research methods.
Section A. DIRECTORIES AND OTHER SOURCES
BOOTHBY, Brian and HUNT, Alan (1989) Design for Disability: a European conference on design in the service of aged and handicapped people. Notes on the conference held at Cheeverstown House, Templeogue, Dublin, Ireland, 8th-9th April, 1989. London: London College of Furniture
CENTRAL STATISTICAL OFFICE Social Trends. Published annually. London: HMSO. Also 25 Years of Social Trends on one CD-ROM (1995) - ask at Enquiry Desk.
CHRONICALLY SICK AND DISABLED PERSONS ACT 1970. Research and development work on equipment for the disabled. Presented pursuant to cc44 1970, section 22. Published annually. London : H.M.S.O
DALE, Peter. (2000) Guide to libraries and information sources in medicine and health care. 3rd ed. London : British Library, Science Reference and Information Service.
DARNBROUGH, Ann and KINRADE, Derek (1999). Directory for disabled people : a handbook of information for everyone involved with disability. 8th ed. London : Prentice Hall
DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION ACT, 1995. (1995) London : HMSO
DLF Data Hamilton Directory. London : Disabled Living Foundation. Loose-leaf volumes updated periodically. [Held in Short Loan Collection in Commercial Road Library]
GOLDSMITH, Selwyn (1997). Designing for the disabled : the new paradigm . Oxford : Architectural Press
GOLDSMITH, Selwyn (2000). Universal design : a manual of practical guidance for architects. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann
HEALTH BUILDING NOTE 40, Volume 4. (1989). Designing for disabled people. London: HMSO
OFFICE OF POPULATION CENSUSES AND SURVEYS. Survey of disability in Great Britain. (1989)
Report 1 The prevalence of disability among adults
Report 2 The financial circumstances of disabled adults living in private households
Report 3 The prevalence of disability among children
Report 4 Disabled adults services, transport and employment
Report 5 The financial circumstances of families with disabled children living in private households
Report 6 Disabled children : services, transport and education
London: HMSO
The voluntary agencies directory. (2000) London : National Council for Voluntary Organisations
Section B. PUBLICATIONS ON RESEARCH METHODS
BARNES, Colin and MERCER, Geof (eds.) (1997) Doing disability research. Leeds: Disability Press
BELL, Judith (2005) Doing your research project : a guide for first-time
researchers in education and social science. 4th ed. Buckingham: Open University Press
BURGESS, Robert G (1991). In the field : an introduction to field research. Routledge. (Contemporary social research series ; 8)
DALE, Sheila (1981) The Handicapped person in the community. Using the literature. (Course P251) Milton Keynes : Open University Press
FOWLER, Floyd J. (2002) Survey research methods. 3rd ed. London: Sage Publications
FRENCH, Sally (2001) Practical research: a guide for therapists. 2nd ed. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann
JONES, Lynn (1987) "The Literature Review", in British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 50, 9, September, p308.
LOCKE, Lawrence F and others (2007) Proposals that work: a guide for planning dissertations and grant proposals. 5th ed. London: Sage Publications
MOORE, Michele and others (1998) Researching disability issues. Buckingham: Open University Press
OPPENHEIM, A.N. (1992) Questionnaire design and attitude measurement. London: Heinemann
PARRY, Anne (1987) "Guidelines to appraising research papers in journals", in Physiotherapy, 73, 7, July, pp375-378
ROBERTSON, Linda (1988) "Qualitative research methods in occupational therapy", in British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 51, 10, October, pp344-346.
SHALINSKY, William (1989) "Interdisciplinary and inter-organisational concerns in the development of technology for physically disabled persons." in Disability Handicap and Society, 4, 1, pp65-79
TARLING, Maggie and CROFTS, Linda (1998). The essential researcher's handbook for nurses and health care professionals. London: Bailliere Tindall.
In addition to the titles cited above, further information on research methodology can be found in the other libraries of the University. Details can be retrieved via the Millennium terminals.
Revised by Richard Farr, Academic Liaison Librarian.
Integrated Learning Resource Centre
41-71 Commercial Road
London E1 1LA
Telephone: 020 7320 1867
