Literature Searches
The library can conduct literature searches for library members, if you cannot access the databases you need or have insufficient time to do your own search. This service is primarily available for clinical need and work-related research. It is not available to students, although help in searching databases will be offered. The literature searching service is free to OHFT staff. Charges apply for other library users. For details of these, contact us.
For every request you submit, our librarians will carry out a literature search on your topic and send you a report containing the available evidence.
The evidence summary will show the databases and terms used, and any problems, limitations or alterations to the original brief. You’ll get a list of the articles which may be alphabetical, hierarchical or in publication date order, and possibly with the key articles highlighted, or split by evidence types or topics as appropriate. There will be links to the full text where available.
Read more about how librarians can save you time and help you deliver evidence based practice and quality improvements here
If you would like the library to conduct a literature search for you, scroll to the bottom of this page and complete the request form as indicated.
If you prefer to search yourself please see below for the latest expert guides and links to training resources.
Self-help guides and Information skills training opportunities
We’ve compiled a list of useful tools below which can help you improve your literature searching skills including the Learning Hub Literature Searching e-learning modules developed by librarians for NHS staff and students.
You can also contact one of our Outreach Librarians to discuss your training needs and request support:
To request a search complete the online form or download it from link below, and send to the library:
Priority will be given to searches supporting an urgent clinical need. Deadlines may need to be negotiated during periods of high demand. In some circumstances (such as patient care or funding bid deadlines) we may be able to offer a quicker turnaround. Phone/contact us directly to discuss needs. Please email library.enquiries@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk for confirmation of receipt of urgent requests. Please note that our service is currently experiencing significant staffing shortages, and the structure of our team is under review. As a result, the turnaround time for literature searches has temporarily increased from 10 to 20 working days. We would be grateful for any feedback on how this timeframe is impacting your practice, what it might mean for you if it were to become a permanent arrangement, and whether it is helping you manage costs more effectively.
Literature search request form
Page last reviewed: 20 January, 2026