How to research your assignment

Having trouble researching your assignment, take a look at this helpful multimedia guide produced by some library colleagues.

It breaks up doing your research into three stages, advising on keyword selection, where to look for the information and useful search techniques to try out.

You will find lots of books in the library and online which will help with doing your research too, try looking on Library Search for topics on research and library skills, critical thinking and study skills.

Accessing other libraries

Search25, a service that searches academic library collections in London and the South east, was launched this week.

If you want to search collections beyond London, you can use COPAC.


The Library offers an Inter-Document Delivery (IDD) service, which you can use to order books and journal articles not available in our collections.

You may wish to apply for a SCONUL card, which allows you to use other university libraries. Just ask at your library counter for more information.

Don't forget the RIBA Library which is just around the corner on Portland Place, photographic proof of identity is required for non members.

NBS TV Video

A new development ready for the academic year is that NBS (National Building Specifications), have made NBS TV free to air for the rest of the year!

It may be a good source for background research before delving into journals and books; it is an innovative way of research from reliable sources.

Click below for an example of the type of programmes available:

BIM and construction law - NBS TV video