Literature search

TU Delft Library can perform fast and efficient literature searches upon request. TU Delft Library offers the following services:

Orientational literature search for patent requests (for TU Delft staff)

The orientational literature search provides:

• A preliminary impression of the patentability of an invention. Please note that this is not a prior art search!
• Confirmation of the relevance and completeness of any self-sourced literature.
• A bibliography of relevant sources to aid in a patent application process; also provides a reliable basis for conducting a prior art search.
• An exploration of the context of the research area and positioning of the inventor in the broader framework.

This type of literature search is part of the patent application procedure of the TU Delft Valorisation Centre. For further information about the patent application procedure, please contact Annegreeth Lameijer: 89905, a.a.lameijer@tudelft.nl or Stefanie Nuhn: 89726, s.j.nuhn@tudelft.nl.

Orientational literature search requests must be made using the Invention Disclosure Form. Send the completed form to literatuuronderzoek-library@tudelft.nl (specifying the appropriate “BaanCode”). Any questions can also be directed to this address.

Ideally, literature searches are carried out in consultation with the inventor in order to ensure the best possible quality and relevance of results. We begin by scheduling a preliminary meeting to discuss aspects of the search, during which we also provide an indication of the costs. Also see the Product and Pricelist Literature search.

After the literature search, the inventor him/herself contacts the Valorisation Centre to request a patent application and sends the results of the orientational literature search, together with the completed Invention Disclosure Form, to the Centre’s patent staff.

Extended literature search
An extended literature search provides a bibliography of sources relevant to your topic, explores the context of the research area and places it in its broader framework.

Literature searches are carried out in close consultation with the customer in order to align the search with his/her wishes and ensure the best possible quality and relevance of results. We begin by scheduling a preliminary meeting to discuss aspects of the search, during which we also provide an indication of the costs.

Extended literature search application form.

Standardised literature search: three options
Standardised literature search application

For further information, please contact: literatuuronderzoek-library@tudelft.nl.

Quick Search
A Quick Search is a brief orientational literature search, resulting in a bibliography of the most recent sources on your topic.

In performing this search, the information specialist limits the literature search to a single relevant database, based on keywords you provide. It is up to you to determine how many references you wish to receive.

Analysis
Various statistical analyses can be run on literature search results to determine things like which researchers are active within a given research area. Analysis results are presented in a table. The example below shows leading authors in the field of ‘artificial collagen’.

Alert
Alerts are used to keep you informed of developments relating to a specific topic or research area. You receive regular updates with the most recent literature sources, based on your personal search profile.