Finding Information
To find available and reliable information then use the Library Catalogue, Databases and Online Resources.
Library Catalogue
Search the library catalogue to find books, journals, DVD's electronic resources and more held by the library.
Databases
Connect to databases ro search for articles from journals, newspapers, papers and reports.
Online Resources
Librarians have selected websites that you will find useful including links to goverment sites and documents, statistics, professional organisations and many more.
Getting started
Before you begin writing an assignment, you will need to understand what your topic or question is. You will also need to be able to find the best information to support your writing. Below are some questions to consider and some links to useful resources.
What is your topic or question?
- Analyse your assignment instructions to make sure you understand your topic or question.
- Check you know the meaning of the assignment's instructional words.
- If you don't understand your topic or the assignment question, talk to your tutor before you start finding information or writing your assignment.
What information do you need for your assignment?
- Does the assignment or marking guide specify what information sources you should use?
- How many sources do you need?
- What types of sources do you need? Books? Journal articles? Web sites?
- If you have them, don't forget to use the recommended readings and/or your textbook!
Where can you find the information you need?
- Check your course outline, which often has a list of useful sources.
- For general information or to learn more about your topic, use the Library Catalogue
The Catalogue lists all of the items held by the Library. This includes books, journals, magazines and DVDs.
Here are some tips on how to use the Library Catalogue.
- For more in-depth, up-to-date information on your topic, use the online resources and databases for your subject area.
These resources provide access to a range of information including journal and magazine articles, reference material such as dictionaries and encyclopaedias, conference papers, newspapers, reports and other publications.
Here are some tips on searching the databases.
Don't forget...
- You need to evaluate all of the information you find to ensure it is relevant to your assignment
- You need to reference (acknowledge) all the ideas and words you use from the information you found.
