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Northeastern University: Northeastern University Library Answers banner
  1. Northeastern University Library
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  3. Research & Instruction FAQ

Northeastern University Library Answers: Research & Instruction FAQ

104 Answers

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  • Topics
    • 26Citation & Bibiliographies
    • 23E-books
    • 2E-Resources
    • 2Getting Started with Research
    • 16Research Help
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    • 14Systematic Reviews
    • 17Tutorials

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  • Research 101
  • What is the difference between PubMed and MEDLINE?
    Last Updated: Dec 05, 2025 | Topics:
    • Systematic Reviews
    |     Views: 6093
  • Does Northeastern offer access to NVivo? Can you help me with it?
    Last Updated: Dec 02, 2025 | Views: 591
  • How do I use O'Reilly E-books?
    Last Updated: Nov 25, 2025 | Topics:
    • E-books
    |     Views: 8603
  • Can I use library materials in generative AI systems and chatbots?
    Last Updated: Oct 14, 2025 | Topics:
    • E-books
    • E-Resources
    |     Views: 47
  • Are there library resources with AI to assist with my research?
    Last Updated: Oct 03, 2025 | Views: 79
  • Where do I find cases or case studies?
    Last Updated: Sep 29, 2025 | Topics:
    • Research Help
    |     Views: 416
  • How do I use Scite_ or Scite.ai
    Last Updated: Aug 20, 2025 | Views: 177
  • How do I use Proquest E-book Central?
    Last Updated: Jul 23, 2025 | Topics:
    • E-books
    |     Views: 195
  • How do I find data?
    Last Updated: Jun 06, 2025 | Views: 133
  • How do I get access to newspapers like the Boston Globe or New York Times?
    Last Updated: May 12, 2025 | Topics:
    • Research Help
    |     Views: 288
  • How do I find someone's h-index in Google Scholar and Web of Science?
    Last Updated: Aug 16, 2024 | Views: 24074
  • How do I use O'Reilly E-books?
    Last Updated: Nov 25, 2025 | Topics:
    • E-books
    |     Views: 8603
  • What is the difference between PubMed and MEDLINE?
    Last Updated: Dec 05, 2025 | Topics:
    • Systematic Reviews
    |     Views: 6093
  • How do I know if the research question for my systematic review is too broad or too narrow?
    Last Updated: Jan 03, 2024 | Topics:
    • Systematic Reviews
    |     Views: 1373
  • What are common exclusion criteria for a systematic review?
    Last Updated: Jan 03, 2024 | Topics:
    • Systematic Reviews
    |     Views: 1312
  • How do I use Knovel e-books?
    Last Updated: Dec 19, 2022 | Topics:
    • E-books
    |     Views: 1291
  • How do I add references to my paper that EndNote is unable to format correctly, or references that I can’t easily export into EndNote, like government documents?
    Last Updated: Aug 02, 2021 | Topics:
    • Citation & Bibiliographies
    |     Views: 1146
  • How do I minimize bias in my systematic review project?
    Last Updated: Jan 03, 2024 | Topics:
    • Systematic Reviews
    |     Views: 1034
  • What are gold standard articles for my systematic review?
    Last Updated: Jan 03, 2024 | Topics:
    • Systematic Reviews
    |     Views: 821
  • Does Northeastern offer access to NVivo? Can you help me with it?
    Last Updated: Dec 02, 2025 | Views: 591
  • How do I choose a research topic?
    Last Updated: Jun 06, 2020 | Views: 117
  • How do I pick keywords for my search?
    Last Updated: Aug 30, 2017 | Views: 71
  • How do I find peer reviewed journals?
    Last Updated: Jun 10, 2020 | Topics:
    • Research Help
    • Tutorials
    |     Views: 60
  • How do I know if an article is peer reviewed?
    Last Updated: Feb 27, 2024 | Views: 121
  • How do I evaluate an article or journal?
    Last Updated: Jun 12, 2020 | Views: 259
  • How do I find data?
    Last Updated: Jun 06, 2025 | Views: 133
  • How do I find statistics?
    Last Updated: Apr 14, 2021 | Views: 97
  • How do I evaluate books and book chapters?
    Last Updated: Jun 12, 2020 | Topics:
    • Research Help
    • Tutorials
    |     Views: 172
  • Which search terms should I use in the databases?
    Last Updated: Jan 05, 2023 | Views: 57
  • How can I improve my library search results?
    Last Updated: Jan 05, 2023 | Topics:
    • Research Tools
    |     Views: 283
  • How do I find full text articles on my topic in Scholar OneSearch?
    Last Updated: Apr 14, 2021 | Views: 277
  • What are peer reviewed articles and journals?
    Last Updated: Jun 12, 2020 | Topics:
    • Research Help
    • Tutorials
    |     Views: 163
  • How do I know if a journal is a scholarly or academic journal?
    Last Updated: Jun 12, 2020 | Topics:
    • Research Help
    • Tutorials
    |     Views: 369
  • How can I get help with citations, footnotes, and bibliographies?
    Last Updated: Oct 04, 2024 | Topics:
    • Citation & Bibiliographies
    |     Views: 333
  • How do I find peer reviewed articles?
    Last Updated: Apr 14, 2021 | Topics:
    • Research Help
    • Tutorials
    |     Views: 449

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abstract

 

A summary of a research article that appears at the beginning of the document. Reading the abstract may help you decide if you want to read the full article.

See also:

  • Article

 

annotation

A note, comment, or explanation. Can be added to citations to create annotated bibliographies.

More information:

  • Annotated Bibliographies

See also:

  • Bibliography
  • Marginalia

ArcGIS

A geographic information system (GIS) software developed by Esri. ArcGIS enables you to analyze, visualize, and interpret spatial data for better decision-making.

More information:

  • Geographic Information Systems Research Guide

See also:

  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

article

Written content on a narrow subject and published in a periodical or website. In some contexts, academics may use article as a shortened form of journal article.

See also:

  • Green Paper
  • Grey Literature
  • Journal
  • Peer Review
  • Periodical
  • Scholarly Source
  • White Paper
  • Working Paper

bibliography

A detailed list of resources cited in an article, book, or other publication. Also called a List of References.

More information:

  • Citations & Bibliographies Research Guide

See also:

  • Citation Manager

Boston Library Consortium (BLC)

A group of libraries in New England that work together to share resources with students, faculty, and staff of member libraries. Northeastern University is a member of this group. Requesting a consortium library card is free to Northeastern students.

More information:

  • About the Boston Library Consortium
  • Boston Library Consortium Access & Borrowing
  • Request a Boston Library Consortium Card

Boston Public Library (BPL)

A free library available to people who work, live or attend school in Massachusetts. Boston Public Library's collection includes physical and digital access to books, journals, and films.

More information:

  • Boston Public Library Website

call number

A label of letters and/or numbers that tell you where the resource can be found in the library. Call numbers are displayed on print books and physical resources and correspond with a topic or subject area.

catalog

A list of all the items in a library's physical collection. Modern catalogs are searchable databases. Catalogs include information about the item's:

  • title
  • creator
  • publication
  • subject
  • availability
  • location in the library

Also called a catalogue, OPAC. Historically a card catalog.

See also:

  • Call Number
  • Database
  • Hold

citation manager

Software that can help you collect, organize, and cite sources. The library provides training on five specific citation managers: BibTeX, EndNote, Mendeley, RefWorks, and Zotero. Also called citation management software, citation management tool or reference manager.

More information:

  • EndNote
  • Mendeley
  • RefWorks
  • Zotero

course reserve

Physical materials assigned by an instructor and held at the library. These materials are generally restricted to in-building use for a limited period. At faculty discretion, some materials may be checked out overnight or for a few days.

More information:

  • Course Reserves: Information for Students

database

A searchable collection of similar items. Library databases include resources for research. Examples include: a newspaper database, such as Access World News, or a humanities scholarly journal database, such as JSTOR.

More information:

  • A-Z Database List

See also:

  • Metadata

digital repository

A searchable online storage space for video files, images, and documents. Specialized digital repositories collect materials related to a theme or institution.

Northeastern University Library manages the Digital Repository Service (DRS). The DRS collects digital material related to Northeastern University's history and academic work.

More information:

  • Northeastern Digital Repository Service

digitization

The conversion of print or analog material to a digital format. Examples of digitization include:

  • scanning a paper book and creating a PDF file
  • digitally recording a VHS tape and creating an MP4 file

See also:

  • Reformatting

dissertation

A paper written to fulfill requirements for a degree containing original research on a narrow topic. Also called a thesis.

See also:

  • Electronic Thesis or Dissertation (ETD)

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

A unique number assigned to some digital content. DOIs do not change even if the online location or ownership of the resource changes.

Electronic Thesis or Dissertation (ETD)

A digital version of a thesis or dissertation produced by a master's or Ph.D. student. Most theses and dissertations written by Northeastern University students are ETDs. Interested researchers can find Northeastern ETDs in the Digital Repository Service. Theses and dissertations written before 2007 are only available in print format in the Northeastern University Archives.

More information:

  • Digital Repository Service: Thesis and Dissertations

See also:

  • Dissertation
  • Digital Repository

evidence synthesis

A broad category of research in which existing research is reviewed to clarify what is known. Evidence synthesis uses explicit and reproducible methods. Common types of evidence synthesis include systematic reviews, scoping reviews, integrative reviews, and umbrella reviews.

More information:

  • Systematic Reviews and Evidence Synthesis Research Guide

full text

The entirety of an article or book, as opposed to a summary or description. Libraries often provide access to the full text as an attached file or in a web reader.

See also:

  • Article
  • Database
  • Metadata

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

A computer-based means of storing, analyzing, and displaying geographic data. Researchers use Geographic Information Systems to create maps and charts.

More information:

  • Geographic Information Systems Research Guide

See also:

  • ArcGIS
  • Geospatial Analysis

Geospatial Analysis

A way of examining and interpreting data about geographic locations, or spatial data. Geospatial analysis examines spatial data to gain insights and identify patterns or trends. Also called geospacial analysis.

See also:

  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
  • Spatial Data

Green Paper

A government document shared to inform and start discussion about proposed policy.

See also:

  • Grey Literature

Grey Literature

Research or reports circulated outside of a traditional publication process. Types of grey literature include:

  • white papers
  • green papers
  • working papers
  • government documents
  • conference proceedings
  • dissertations

Also called gray literature.

More information:

  • Science Direct Topics: Gray Literature

See also:

  • Green Paper
  • Dissertation
  • White Paper
  • Working Paper

Hold

A request to be the next to use an item that is currently checked out.

See also:

  • Catalog

ILLiad

 

The system Northeastern’s library uses for interlibrary loan requests. The first time you request materials, you’ll need to set up your account.

More information:

  • ILLiad Login

See also:

  • Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

A library service that allows you to request resources your library does not have. At Northeastern University, this service is free. Materials are delivered electronically when possible.

More information:

  • Northeastern Interlibrary Loan

International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

A unique number used to identify books. Many databases and search engines allow you to search for a book using an ISBN.

See also:

  • Unique Identifier

Journal

An ongoing publication focused on current developments in a field. Journal issues are released on a regular schedule.

See also:

  • Periodical
  • Peer Review
  • Scholarly Source

Keyword

A meaningful word or phrase in a source’s database or catalog record. Keywords are often used as search terms to retrieve records that contain the word or phrase.

See also:

  • Catalog
  • Database
  • Metadata

Library Department

 

A unit of Northeastern’s library with responsibility for services or systems. Some departments are referred to by their acronyms:

  • Information Delivery and Access Services (IDEAS) provides support for navigating library services and systems.
  • Library Technology Services (LTS) maintains library systems.
  • Research & Instruction (R&I) supports research, teaching, and the development of critical research skills. Research and Instruction includes:
    • Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities group (ASSH)
    • STEM and Entrepreneurship group (STEM & E)
    • Global Campus Engagement and Online Learning group.
  • Resource & Discovery Services (RADS) manages the library's electronic resources and Boston's print collection.

More information:

  • Departmental Directory

Limiter

A search setting that removes search results based on source attributes. Limiters vary by database but often include publication date, material type, and language. Also called: filter or facet.

Marginalia

Notes, comments, annotations, sketches, added to the margins of a text. These can be typed or hand-written. Marginalia can include headers, footnotes, and sidenotes. In some cases, marginalia are written by the author of a text, but is often notes made by a reader.

Metadata

Information associated with a resource, usually organized in a specific way. The word metadata means "data about data".

Metadata varies but often includes title, creator, and format. Descriptive metadata makes it possible to find and identify resources in a collection. When the metadata in a collection is standardized, the predefined structure is called a metadata schema.

More information:

  • Metadata Object Descriptive Schema

Monograph

A book that covers a single topic in detail.

See also:

  • Scholarly Source

Open Access (OA)

Research or data available for free. Open access resources are sometimes labeled with an unlocked padlock symbol. These resources often have permissive licenses that support re-use and sharing.

More information:

  • What is Open Access?
  • Creative Commons

Operator

Words used to connect multiple search terms to bring back targeted results. Operators can be used to reduce or expand the number of search results. Operators include:

  • AND
  • OR
  • NOT

Also called: Boolean Operator.

More information:

  • Build an effective search

See also:

  • Keyword

Peer Review

Well-regarded review process used by some academic journals. Relevant experts review articles for quality and originality before publication. Articles reviewed using this process are called peer reviewed articles. Less often, these articles are called refereed articles.

More information:

  • Peer Review tutorial

See also:

  • Journal

Periodical

A newspaper, magazine or journal that is published on a regular schedule.

See also:

  • Journal

QGIS

A free and open-source Geographic Information System (GIS) application. This tool set enables you to capture, analyze, visualize, and share geographic data. QGIS is a Mac-friendly alternative to ArcGIS.

More information:

  • QGIS Website

See also:

  • ArcGIS
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Raster Data

Data defined by a grid of equally sized cells, akin to pixels.

See also:

  • Geospatial Analysis

Reformatting

To transfer information from one format to another. Example: Scanning a paper newspaper to create an online or PDF version. Reformatting includes digitization.

More information:

  • Society of Archivists: Reformat

See also:

  • Digitization

Research Subject Guide

 

A webpage or pages created by librarians to guide your research in a field or course. Research guides include links to resources, tutorials, and other information.

More information:

  • Browse Northeastern’s research subject guides

Retraction

The removal of a published article from a journal. A journal’s editors or editorial board can decide to retract an article when it has serious errors. Errors that can result in retraction include:

  • errors in research methods
  • manipulation of data or results
  • plagiarism
  • copyright infringement
  • conflicts of interest
  • lack of institutional review board approval

More information:

  • Committee on Publication Ethics Retraction Guide

See also:

  • Article
  • Journal

Scholarly Source

A book or article written by academic researchers and published by an academic press or journal. Scholarly sources contain original research and commentary.

  • Scholarly articles are published in journals focused on a field of study. also called academic articles.
  • Scholarly books are in-depth investigations of a topic. They are often written by a single author or group. Alternatively in anthologies, chapters are contributed by different authors.

More information:

  • Scholarly vs. Non-scholarly Sources tutorial

See also:

  • Article
  • Monograph
  • Peer Review

Shapefile

Common filetype (.shp) for points, lines, or polygons. This filetype is widely used in Geographic Information Systems, specifically ArcGIS. Various free shapefiles are available online.

See also:

  • ArcGIS
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Scholar OneSearch

A library database that searches a broad range of resources. Material in ScholarOne Search includes:

  • Scholarly, newspaper and other articles
  • books & eBooks
  • streaming music and video
  • board games
  • archival material

Scholar OneSearch also includes information about material held at Northeastern’s libraries. Researchers can use ScholarOne Search to organize their research and manage borrowed items. To best serve Northeastern University's widespread community, ScholarOne Search has different views:

  • The Online / Global network view shows all online material.
  • The Boston view shows all online material and items held at Snell Library.
  • The Oakland view shows all online material and items held at the F. W. Olin Library.

Appropriate views for each global campus are included on their Global Campus Portal.

More information:

  • Global Campus Portals

Spatial Data

 

Information tied to specific geographic locations or positions on the Earth's surface. Also known as “geospatial data”, GeoData, or spacial data.

More information:

  • Geographical Information System Research Guide

See also:

  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Subject Librarian

Library staff who have expertise in an academic subject. A subject librarian can offer advice on:

  • types of information available in their subject
  • how to search for sources
  • how sources can best be used and cited
  • where to publish

Subject librarians are available to work with individuals and small groups. They create guides and tutorials and teach workshops.

More information:

  • List of Northeastern subject librarians

See also:

  • Research Subject Guide

Trade Publication

A source focused on sharing news and information of interest to an industry. Trade publications are often published by industry associations. Periodicals related to an industry are called trade journals.

See also:

  • Journal

Unique Identifier

An unrepeated string of numbers and letters used to recognize and differentiate material. Also called an identification number. Examples include American citizen's’ social security numbers or published books' ISBNs. A persistent identifier (PID) is a long-lasting type of unique identifier. Persistent identifiers allow you to locate a resource with a URL. Examples include electronic articles' Digital Object Identifiers (DOI) and digital materials' handles.

See also:

  • Digitial Object Identifier (DOI)
  • International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
  • Metadata

URL

The precise address for a webpage. URL stands for the words uniform resource locator.

Vector Data

A spatial model using coordinates for representing points, lines, and polygons.

See also:

  • Geospatial Analysis
  • Raster Data

White Paper

A concise, researched report about a complex issue. Readers should gain enough understanding to solve a related problem or make a choice.

More information:

  • White Paper Research Guide

See also:

  • Grey Literature

Working Paper

An article or conference proposal draft shared to invite feedback.

See also:

  • Grey Literature

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