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: 2:14
 Key points from the video |
- Searching for your whole assignment is not very effective
- Identify the key concepts in your question or topic
- Think about what other words (similar words or alternative terms) might be used to describe the key concepts
- Connect your concepts using AND and OR
- You can change your search as you find more information
- 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.
- Some types of specific information are best found using a search engine or specific website.
- All resources need to be evaluated before using them.
 Read: How to find scholarly sources |
- How to find scholarly sources (PDF)How to guide on how to find scholarly sources including peer reviewed articles.
 Watch: Scholarly sources explained (2.22) |
Option 1: Library Collection
| Search the Library Collection |
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 "Refine my results" menu to refine your search to find exactly what you need.
| Watch: How to search the Library Collection (1.47) |
 Test your knowledge |
Practice using the Library Collection with our interactive tutorial (15.00)
Option 2: Databases
| Search 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.
- ERICIndexes thousands of research and technical reports in the Resources In Education Index (RIE) as well as education-related journals in the Current Index to Journals in Education. Contains material on children's literature.
- ScopusOne of the largest bibliographic, multidisciplinary databases. Covers chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering, life sciences, health sciences, social sciences, psychology and economics, as well as biological, agricultural, environmental and general sciences.
- A+ EducationAustralian-focussed indexing and full text database that provides access to journal articles on all aspects of education. Includes monographs, research reports, theses, book reviews and conference papers.
- Proquest Education collectionProQuest® Education Collection provides access to the full- text Education Database. It provides abstracts, indexing and full text coverage of journal articles, books, book chapters, dissertations, working papers and more, including full- text from hundreds of leading education journals.
- Informit Indigenous CollectionWith a broad range of international Indigenous research resources brought together, the Informit Indigenous Collection offers a variety of content on both historical and topical issues within Indigenous studies.
- Research Starters - EducationStudy and research guides designed specifically for advanced high school students, college students and selected graduate students. They consist of comprehensive, yet concise topic summary articles of about 3,000 words in length written by researchers, scholars and other subject matter experts.
- Gale Reference CompleteAccess millions of pages of primary sources, e-reference, periodical content, literary criticism and full text literary works.
- Other education databasesList of databases relevant to all areas of education.
| Read: How to save time searching databases |
- How To Save Time Searching Databases - PDF (232 KB)Different databases use a range of truncation and wildcard symbols and phrase searching features. This guide explains the symbols used by each database to enable you to search them effectively
Option 3: Google Scholar
| Search 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. Use the Google Scholar link from the Library website for best access to full-text references.
| Test your knowledge |
Practice using Google Scholar with our interactive tutorial (10.00)
| More information |
Visit this Library online resource to teach you how to search Google Scholar, the Library Collection and databases successfully.
Option 4: Journals
Find more
| Find Case Studies |
OR when searching databases or the catalogue for case studies, simply type 'case study' into the search bar.
 Find News Media |
The Library's News Media Guide provides help searching and evaluating a wide range of Australian and International news media including newspapers, television, radio and media releases. Start your search with:
 Find Videos |
Access to a wide range of video content through a number of key video databases, including:
- ClickviewClickView contains video content resource aligned to the Australian Curriculum for primary schools, secondary schools and tertiary settings. Access visually stunning video content and teacher resources, plus contextual on-demand TV, your own video library and interactive question layers for formative assessment.
- LinkedIn LearningAn online library of high-quality instructional videos on the the use of the latest software, tools and skills, with over 4,000 courses.
- Informit EduTVFind over 30,000 programs from a range of learning areas. Includes documentaries, and programs broadcast on pay TV channels such as The History Channel, National Geographic, BBC Knowledge and Discovery.
- HSTalks: Bite sized case studiesHSTalks provides access to world class lectures and case studies by leading experts from commerce, industry, the professions and academia. This collection of specially prepared animated audio visual presentations with synchronized narration is regularly updated and growing with over 900 talks.
Final step: Choose what to use
| Evaluate your resources |
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.
Video Length: 3:16
| Key points from the video |
- Searching for your whole assignment is not very effective
- Identify the key concepts in your question or topic
- Think about what other words (similar words or alternative terms) might be used to describe the key concepts
- Connect your concepts using AND and OR
- You can change your search as you find more information
| Currency | How current does the information need to be? Do you need to use information published in the last five years or are older, seminal works fine to use? |
| Relevance | Does the information found answer your question? Do you understand the content and is it at the right level for your purpose? |
| Authority | What are the author's qualifications? Are they linked to a particular organisation such as a university, research institute or government department |
| Accuracy | Is evidence given for the research undertaken? Can you verify the information presented by using other sources? Is there a bibliography or references given? |
| Purpose | Is it trying to communicate research, persuade you or sell you something? It is expressing an opinion, or is it balanced and objective? |
| Read: Critically analysing a website |
