LibGuides: Dentistry: Journals & Databases

ResearchSmart Modules 2025

Module 1: Finding & using information

This module introduces you to key skills and knowledge you will need to find information for your subjects/assignments.

Objectives

By the end of this module you should be able to:

Find resources using Library Search | Ketu
Find books, journals and journal articles in the Library
Understand the anatomy of a citation
Identify different types of information sources
Evaluate information sources
Know when to use a database or search engine

Link

Module 2: Developing good search techniques

In this module you’ll learn how to construct a search strategy and to search databases effectively.

Objectives

By the end of this module you should be able to:

Use the 5A model to search for information
Plan your search by creating an effective search strategy
Create a PICOT/PECOT search strategy [for Health professional courses only]
Find relevant Subject Guides to identify some useful databases
Understand the difference between using keywords and subject headings to search for information
Conduct a literature search using a keyword only database - Scopus and/or Web of Science
Conduct a literature search using a subject heading database - PubMed and/or Medline

Link

Module 3: Academic Integrity

In this module you’ll learn how to use information ethically by adhering to the principles of academic integrity.

Objectives

By the end of this module you should be able to:

Understand the meaning of academic integrity
Distinguish between forms of academic integrity and academic misconduct
Practise academic integrity when using information sources ethically.

Link

Module 4: Citing and Referencing

This module introduces you to the skills of citing and referencing your information sources using APA 7th Style.

Objectives

By the end of this module you should be able to:

Understand why and when to cite information sources in your assignments
Know the citation style for your paper
Identify how to use in-text citations when you paraphrase or use a quotation in your writing
Know the parts, patterns and order required to reference different information types

Link

Finding information steps

Try these steps:

Analyse a topic and develop a search strategy to find relevant information

Identify the main resources for information used in academic study

Use search techniques to effectively find information in these resources

There are two options for finding articles using Library Search | Ketu [Remember to sign in]

1. To find an article from a citation. Search for the "Title of the article" (within quotation marks)

2. To find the Journal:

Check Library Search for the Title of the Journal (usually underlined or in Italics)
Do a Simple search for the Title of the Journal then filter results to Journal Title
The journal may be held in print, electonically, or both
Browse to find the correct year/volume and page numbers

Watch this short video on how to use Library Search | Ketu. Need more help? Use this guide.

You can use Google Scholar to find an article from a citation:

Try searching Google Scholar for the "Title of the Article" (usually within quotation marks)
Follow Otago Article Link in your results list, or free fulltext access links
Open the fulltext PDF or HTML copy of the article.
Google Scholar Tips & Tricks [pdf]

Interloan service

The Interloan service enables library users to search for items, create free requests for items not held in the University of Otago Library, and monitor the progress of those requests.

Set up alerts to authors, search topics, journal articles, books, chapters, journal table of contents, and combinations of these.

Use the database functions once registered for an account or profile. More tips in our Keeping up-to-date with research guide.