Course resource help for Criminology

You can find your reading list on each module's page on Moodle. Alternatively, search for a module's list on our reading list page.

Your module leader may suggest you read things for various reasons e.g.

1. You may be asked to read a book chapter or journal article before a seminar, as it will be discussed as a group.
2. You may wish to read some recommended sources after a lecture, in order to consolidate what you learnt.
3. You can read resources on the reading list to help you research and write coursework.

This video will help you make the most of your reading list, narrow it down to the important things, and tick off what you've read.

Every book in Headington library has a call number. This is the code written on the label on the side of the book (e.g.  302.542 DOW). Books are arranged in numerical order, using these numbers.

To find a book's call number, you can look up the book on LibrarySearch. 

You can also see a book's call number on a module reading list (video).

Look at the signs on the wall in between the stairs and the lift in Headington library to see which range of call numbers is on each level. You will find a detailed map on each level, and you can also download a library map onto your phone.

Find out how to borrow books from the library, using our self-issue machines (video).

Group, quiet and silent study spaces are available throughout each floor on levels 2-4.

If you look at the map of Headington library, you'll see we use traffic light colours to indicate whether a space is for group work, quiet work or silent work. The map also shows where you can find computers and printers.

There is wi-fi throughout the library, along with plug sockets. Please do not unplug any PCs, as they then won't receive vital software updates.

See the range of ways you can get help, support and suggestions from friendly library staff.

You may have a broad idea of your dissertation topic, but still need to narrow it down. Your options include:

1. Doing a preliminary search on LibrarySearch or a database to see how much has already been written about your topic. That can help you decide if your topic is either too broad or too narrow.
2. Flicking through recent issues of criminology journals on BrowZine to see the most recent developments and updates in your field.

The reading list for  CRIM6007 and CRIM6011 contains some recommended books about criminology research methods and dissertation skills.

Also, you can explore this broader list of useful books, ebooks on dissertation research (not criminology specific).

The skills you learnt in CRIM5001 will help you with your dissertation. You may wish to refer back to this module on Moodle or look at the reading list for CRIM5001.

LibrarySearch is always a good place to start. This will find you books, ebooks and high-quality, peer-reviewed journal articles.

To go beyond LibrarySearch, try using a database. Which databases you use depends on what type of material you want and on your topic. We've listed some databases particularly useful for criminology, and you can also see a full alphabetical list of all the library's databases.

Every subject at Oxford Brookes is supported by a specialist librarian. You are welcome to get in touch with Charlie, the Academic Liaison Librarian for Criminology. She can show you how to find relevant and reliable books, ebooks and journal articles on your topic.

Email Charlie on c.brampton@brookes.ac.uk

Many areas of criminology are fast-moving, so it’s important to stay up-to-date. If you have come across a journal that publishes articles you’ve found useful, then add it to your BrowZine bookshelf. You can then flick through all your saved journals in one place. You can also get email alerts when new issues of your favourite journals are published.

There are lots of ways to do this, so find the way that works best for you. By keeping track of what you've read you can

1. Easily find it again if you need to revisit it
2. Accurately reference it in your dissertation

One option is to use EndNote. EndNote not only lets you quickly store details of what you've read, but can also help you produce accurate references to these sources.

It can be useful to look at past dissertations. Even if the topic or methodology differ from yours, it helps to see how they're structured. 

If you are enrolled on a criminology dissertation on Moodle, then you should be able to see some past dissertations on there. 

Oxford Brookes library is brilliant! But we don't have everything. When you are researching your topic you may want to read a book or journal article that we don't have access to. Your options include:

1. Visiting another university library
2. Using our Interlibrary Loan service. This is where another library can send an item to Oxford Brookes library for you to read
3. Making use of our popular and much-loved More Books scheme which runs once or twice a year.

Dissertations can feel overwhelming, particularly alongside other assessments and commitments. 

• Find out more about student support and wellbeing at Oxford Brookes
• Explore our Wellbeing at University reading list