The search and selection of research literature are fundamental aspects of academic work, with researchers being experts in finding necessary studies, ranging from short lookup through exploratory searches to systematic literature reviews. Systematic reviews and other forms of research synthesis have drawn attention to the need for transparent approaches to research, directing focus towards infrastructures supporting research. There is a variety of literature databases of heterogenious quality, different publication types, and inclusion of publications in different languages. Many literature services are not explicit about the scope of their databases. Educational research often requires a transdisciplinary knowledge base, dispersed across multiple platforms. However, the choice of literature databases for a search influences the results (Wanyama et al., 2022; Heck et al., 2023). 

To navigate the search process effectively, a combination of knowledge about different databases, retrieval methods, and search strategies is essential. Since there is no universal solution in information seeking, the selection of databases, search engines, and academic social networks remains an individual decision tied to research objectives. 

The workshop will provide an overview of existing literature services, considering the publishing norms in educational science and focusing on specialized databases in the field, along with their advantages and disadvantages regarding media coverage, access methods, and disciplinary focus. Next, the workshop will encourage discussions allowing participants to exchange their experiences regarding bibliographic work in educational research and within national contexts.  

The objectives of the workshop are: 

• To raise awareness among participants regarding various paths and methods in bibliographic searches, outlining the pros and cons of selected literature services and search strategies. 

• To foster discussion on experiences and needs. 

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Heck, T., Keller, C., Rittberger, M. (2023). Coverage and similarity of bibliographic databases to find most relevant literature for systematic reviews in education. International Journal on Digital Libraries, https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00799-023-00364-3 Wanyama, S. B., McQuaid, R. W., & Kittler, M. (2022). Where you search determines what you find: The effects of bibliographic databases on systematic reviews. International Journal of Social Research Methodology: Theory & Practice, 25(3), 409–422. https://doi.org/10.1080/13645579.2021.1892378