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Where to search

Knowing where to search is just as important as knowing how to search. The following video (2 min 14 sec) will help you to understand why and when to use different search tools.

Key points from the video
  • Different search tools cover different collections of resources
  • The Library Collection is a good place to search for scholarly material
  • The Library Collection provides free access to a variety of resources types across a range of subject areas
  • Databases help focus your search and have more advanced searching options
  • Google Scholar provides access to a wide range of resources, but not all of it is scholarly
  • Use the Google Scholar link from the Library website for best access to full-text references
  • Search multiple places to save time and find better results
  • All resources need to be evaluated before using them

The Library Collection

The Library Collection is a good place to start your search for scholarly content. You can use it to find eBooks, journal articles, reports, videos and more.

Using the "Refine my results" menu, you can refine your search to find exactly what you need.

How to start your search (opens in a new tab)

 

Want to know more?

  • Watch this short video (1 min 48 sec) about searching the Collection
  • Test your knowledge with the following interactive tutorial:

How to search the Library Collection

Key databases

Databases are online collections of resources including articles, papers, book chapters and reports. Databases have advanced search options, helping to focus your search and find more relevant, scholarly references quickly.

Accounting Databases

More help

Searching Google Scholar

Google Scholar heading

Google Scholar searches academic and scholarly websites.

Searching Google Scholar via the Library website activates a "Full-text at UniSA" link - this gives you direct access to Library-subscribed content.

Screenshot of Library website, highlighting the Google Scholar tab above the search bar.

Want to know more?

Test your knowledge with the following interactive tutorial:

Google Scholar search tutorial

For advanced Google Scholar tips visit the Web searching page in the Library's Grey Literature and Other Sources guide.

LibKey Nomad

With the Nomad extension activated, you can access direct links to eBooks, online articles and PDFs on websites such as PubMed, publisher websites, and Wikipedia using the following icon:

Download PDF icon

Benefits include:

  • Ability to access relevant Library content conveniently and instantly via the open web
  • Completely anonymous – no user data is shared with or by LibKey
  • Simple browser extension that can be set up in seconds without training

Download and installation help

Professional magazines

You may want to find articles in professional magazines. You can access some of these online:

Using Harvard Business Review

You can access the Harvard Business Review journal through Business Source Ultimate database. To search for articles on specific topics within the journal, click the 'Search within this publication' link and, on the search page, enter the title or keywords starting from the second row.

Public versus private companies

Before you start searching on your company, establish:

  • Is the company publicly listed or private?
  • Is the company Australian or international?
  • What industry does the company belong to?
  • What information do you need about the company or industry? Annual reports, financial data, industry profiles, market research, or news media?

Public versus private companies:

Public companies are listed and traded on a stock exchange whereas private companies are not listed. Public companies must also provide annual reports to the public which makes them easier to research.

Not sure if it is public or private? 

Do a web search for the company's website. They often provide information under a section such as 'About us'. You can also try searching for the company on the Australian stock exchange, or another stock exchange, to see if it is listed.

Searching in DatAnalysis and IbisWorld

DatAnalysis

This database provides comprehensive information for all Australian Stock Exchange listed companies.

  1. Type the company name into the quick search box (top right). Select search.Datanalysis menu highlighting financial data and annual reports
  2. The company page should automatically open.
  3. Use the menu on the left to navigate through different information such as Financial Data and Annual Reports. 

Watch the below video (3 min 17 sec) to get a general overview of using DatAnalysis and to find a range of financial information along with the ASX website:

IBISWorld

IBISWorld's Company Reports analyse the 2000 largest Australian companies, listed & non-listed public, private, foreign-owned, trusts & government businesses.

  1. Type your company name into the search box. Select search.

Type National Australia Bank in the search bar

  1. From the results list, select the company you are after.
  2. Navigate using the menu on the left to see details including Financials and Growth and Ratios.

You can download the data from these reports in Excel format by selecting the download option from the top of the page. 

Find more information

Find company and industry information

Find case studies

This short video (4 min 7 sec) introduces you to case studies - what they are and how they're used.

Find news media

Find statistics

A huge range of statistical resources can be found on the Library's Company and Industry Information Guide (see link to the guide above), or try the following key databases:

Find videos

Access to a wide range of video content through a number of key video databases, including:

Find skills modules