Skip to Main Content

Find information

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 minutes 14 seconds

  • Knowing where to search is just as important as knowing how to search.
  • 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 Catalogue:
    • is a good place to search for scholarly material.
    • 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.

Search the Library Collection

The Library Collection is a good place to start your search for finding eBooks, journal articles, reports, videos, and more.

Learn more on how to search collection.

Video Length: 3 min 33 sec

 

How to read a Library collection record

Google Scholar

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

Search in Google Scholar directly from the Library homepage for best access to full-text references.

Screenshot of Google Scholar box on UniSA Library Collection homepage

Use the Full-text at UniSA feature in Google Scholar to access subscription restricted resources only available at UniSA.

Learn more on how to search Google Scholar.

Video Length: 3 min 5 sec

Searching ProQuest Central database

ProQuest Central features a highly-respected, diversified mix of content including scholarly journals, trade publications, magazines, books, newspapers, reports and videos.

Learn more on how to search ProQuest Central database.

Video Length: 4 min 48 sec

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.

Want to Know More

  Read: How to Save Time Searching Databases (PDF)

Find More Information

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 statistics 

A huge range of statistical resources can be found via the Library catalogue and databases.  

OR when searching databases or the catalogue for statistics, simply add the word 'statistics' into your search.

Find videos

The Library provides access to a wide range of video content through a number of key video databases, including:

OR When searching the library catalogue, use the Tweak my Results menu to refine the Resource Type to Audio Visual

Find conference papers

Conference papers or proceedings are the written version of presentations given at conferences or meetings or professional or scholarly bodies and organisations. Conference papers can be a great way to find up to date information, research trends and innovations on a specific topic because researchers often present their findings first at conferences.

To search for conference papers:

  • Include the words conference and/or proceedings in your search.
  • Refine the your results by type or format to limit your results to conference proceedings.
  • Search the Conference proceedings citation index database.
  • Search the websites of specific conferences or organisations.

Referencing support

Other referencing support tools:

What do you do with all those references you have found?

Use bibliographic management software to store, organise and cite your references. The Library supports the bibliographic management tool EndNote. There are also many free systems available.