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Where to search

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

Video length: 2 min 14 sec

Key points from the video:

  • Knowing where to search is just as important as knowing how to.
  • Not all search tools will give you access to the same information.
  • Understanding why and when to use different search tools will save you time.
  • The Library Collection is a good place to search for scholarly material. It 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.
  • Some types of specific information are best found using a search engine or specific website.
  • All resources need to be evaluated before using them.

The Library Collection

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

The Library Collection is a good place to start your search for scholarly material. 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.

Want to know more?

Watch this short video (1 min 48 sec) about using the Library Collection, or complete the following tutorial.

Google Scholar

Google Scholar searches only within academic or scholarly sites, rather than the whole internet. By accessing Google Scholar from within the library website, you will be able to link directly to articles that the library has access to by clicking on the Full-text at UniSA link.

Want to know more?

Google Scholar search tutorial

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.

Architecture databases

For a complete list of architecture databases that the Library subscribes to, click on the databases tab located under the 'Search the Library Collection' box on the Library homepage. Then select the category: Natural and Built Environment > Architecture.

For more info:

Find more information

Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) eBook collection

 The RIBA eBook collection covers subjects such as architectural practice, architects and their work, architectural theory, building regulations, design and interiors, conservation and legal issues.

Many works focus on the UK environment, e.g., UK regulations, legislation, and projects.

Gavin Walkley architectural collection

The Gavin Walkley Collection includes old and rare books on architecture, town planning, and landscape design. These books are kept on Level 2 of the Jeffrey Smart Building.

Items can be found in the Library Collection and identified by the prefix GW as part of the call number.

 Screenshot of a Library item record, highlighting the location of the item (City West Gavin Walkley Collection) and the prefix GW in the call number.

UniSA staff and students can access the Collection by contacting Ask the Library to arrange an appointment.

Some of the material is very fragile, and access is then at the discretion of the Special Collections Coordinator or Manager, Library Services.

Conference papers and proceedings

Conference papers can be a great way to find up to date information, research trends and innovations on a specific topic. Researchers often present their research findings first at conferences.

There is no single search tool that comprehensively lists conference papers and proceedings. However, you may discover references, or the full text, via:

Web search engines, e.g., Google

Papers may be available on websites for free or at a cost. 

Library Collection 
or Trove

Proceedings may be available online or in print via the Library Collection.

Institutional repositories

Conference papers by academics may be available online from their university repository (e.g., UniSA Research Outputs Repository, UQ eSpace).

Subscribed
databases

Conference proceedings may be indexed by some databases and journals. For example:

Finding conference papers and proceedings

Use the terms conference or proceedings in your search, combined with keywords such as an organisation name or other words from the conference title, e.g.:

Select appropriate references

While you are finding references, you need to think about whether they are appropriate to use in your assignment. You may be asked to use scholarly or peer reviewed material to support your arguments. 

You should evaluate all resources  before including them in your assignment - even if you found them through the Library Collection or databases.

For more info: