You may have chosen to use a specific country or region as one of your inclusion/exclusion criteria or you might want global research in your systematic review. You will need to think about how you will ensure that the results of your search represents the region you want to cover.
The above map, produced in 2016, illustrates how the research indexed in Web of Science is weighted towards the Global North. It is likely that you will encounter a similar spread of research in other major databases too. If the region you have chosen is in the Global South or you want to show a global research picture try exploring some of the databases below in your scoping searches. You could also contact your subject librarian for further guidance.
Our Decolonisation Resource List includes links to resources (prioritising open access resources) by geographic area, examples of good practice from Bristol and beyond, and advice on finding resources, tools for auditing reading lists and introductory materials. We'll be adding further resources, so if you have a suggestion please let your Subject Librarian know.
Further subject specific resources can be found via our A-Z database listing and our Subject Guides. Use the direct links below to jump straight to geographical area:
Including grey literature in your search can help you better represent a global research picture - sometimes research from the global south is treated as grey literature and isn't always published in prestigious journals or indexed in big commercial databases. There are lots of places you can look for grey literature, this page will help you get started.
Next step: Grey Literature
This video explains the importance of citing Multiply Marginalized and Underrepresented (MMU) Scholars and explores the historical and systematic prejudices within research and citations.
Fullmer, N. & Strand, K. "Citing MMU Scholars" (2021). All E-Learning Resources. 10. Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/elearning_all/10 (Accessed: 22/08/2023)
If you would like to understand more about why voices from the Global South aren't always included in major databases, then this short zine on the colonial history and legacy in libraries can provide some more information.