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Searches: Get Help With Your Research

Everything you need to know to take advantage of the Literature Search service at the VDOT Research Library.

Overview: Literature Searches

Sometimes what you need is a customized search and a simple synthesis that will help you avoid "reinventing the wheel," or missing research that is potentially relevant but otherwise hard to find. 

If you are a VDOT employee and don't have the time (or desire) to invest in a comprehensive search on your own, why not take advantage of the library's free literature search service? 

We're quick and thorough, and we tend to find sources others miss. Plus, we know how to focus on the most relevant, current and reliable sources. We can even "synthesize" what we find in ways that help you make informed decisions based on evidence. However, because we are not technical experts, we don't do a full blown literature "review."

Explore Existing Searches

Speaking of not reinventing the wheel, we have completed hundreds of searches for VDOT employees in recent years and all work we do is added to our Online Catalog. Search only for searches (not all library holdings) below:

     

 
If you prefer, you can also browse this list of searches.

Request a Search

Every search is customized to the requestor's needs at a precise moment in time. Because the information landscape changes rapidly, searches can become dated. Use this Request Form to request a new search, or if you need an "update" of a topic we have explored before. 

We will conduct a search for any VDOT employee (researchers, practitioners, policy makers, technicians, etc.). Sources can include: technical reports, state DOT publications, conference papers, standards, white papers, proceedings, dissertations, and even PowerPoint or poster presentations. We also identify experts and provide contact information so you can consult directly with technical experts and peers at other DOTs. We deliver 20-30 searches a year and typically have multiple searches underway, so the more lead time we have to work on your search the better.

Fast-Tracked
Search

Comprehensive
Search
Comprehensive Search
& Synthesis

 
Delivery time: 1-2 weeks Delivery time: 2-4 weeks Delivery time: 4-8 weeks or longer

Literature Search FAQ

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