I can't find the resources I need
We classify all of our resources under 19 subject headings, enabling you to get a quick listing of the best of the Web for a specific subject area. You can also search the database. An advanced search allows you to limit a search to certain fields, subjects or resource types. If you still can't find the resources you need you can try the search engine, which finds results from a database other than the core catalogue, but it is not fully quality-controlled.
Some tips to help you get better results
- Use OR, NOT and AND
Sometimes known as Boolean Searching, using or, not, and can help to refine your searches, for example:
book and arts will retrieve records matching book AND arts
book or arts will retrieve records which contain EITHER term
book not arts will retrieve records which contain book but NOT arts
- Phrase searching
Adding quotes to your search terms limits a search to the exact phrase, for example "numerical methods applied to chemical engineering" will only retrieve records which contain the phrase "numerical methods applied to chemical engineering".
- Use a wildcard (*)
Using a wildcard (*) allows you to search Intute using part of a word. Use an asterisk (*) to indicate a truncated search term. For example:
aroma* will retrieve a range of results including aroma, aromatic and aromatherapy
aroma will retrieve only results with aroma
Not enough results?
Check your spelling! Have you made any typos?
Don't search for an essay or project title. Try searching for the subject you are interested in.
Don't search by URL (Web address) try a resource title or keyword.
Have you narrowed your search too much? Are you searching for a particular resource type or in a particular subject area? Try a new search.
Try expanding your search through our search engine.
Are you being too specific? Try a search based on a broader subject term (e.g. searching for a type of literature rather than an author's name). Or, try browsing by subject.
Sign up for a MyIntute alert - we'll notify you when we find something that will interest you.
Too many results?
Narrow your search - use our advanced search to search by a particular resource type, field (e.g. title) or subject area.
Try different search terms - are you being too general? e.g. 'film' returns several thousand records, whereas 'French new wave film' gives you fewer, more specific results.
Use wildcards, or Boolean searching.
Learn more
Our Virtual Training Suite comprises over 60 free online tutorials designed to help you improve your Internet research skills.
How do I suggest a resource?
Fill out our form.
How does Intute select resources?
We evaluate all suggested resources against our selection criteria and collection development policy.
An accepted resource will be:
- Useful and relevant for teaching, learning and research in UK higher education
We take into account a resource's:
- Purpose and audience.
- Authority and reputation, including the author's affiliation and evidence of external citation (such as links to the site)
- Accuracy of the information presented. Which sources used and cited
- Originality in content or presentation
- Comprehensive coverage and depth of information
- Bias
- Clarity of presentation and navigation
- Ease of use and Accessibility
- Design and layout, use of technology and recognised standards
- User support and documentation
- Terms and conditions of use
- How up to date the content is
- How long lasting a resource is likely to be
In general we won't include:
- Resources which contravene English law or promote illegal activity
- Lists of links with little or no annotation
- Resources designed solely for the marketing, advertising and sale of commercial products
- University department home pages which do not contain significant online resources beyond simple course descriptions, staff directories, and links
- Academics' home pages that do not contain significant online resources beyond CVs, publication lists, and details of current research/teaching
- Personal home pages created by and about that individual and consisting of mainly personal details
- Journal articles
Please get in touch for more information.
