Find evidence (Government and organisation information)
Key learning points
In this section, you will learn:
- the benefits of searching the web
- how to perform an effective internet search
- a list of reputable websites for:
- background information
- online health information providers
- government information
- non-government organisations
- professional bodies
Search the web
Internet search engines such as Google do not have sophisticated search interfaces like the Library Collection or databases. Therefore, your search will need to be broad.
Below is an example of a Google search for guidelines.
Notice the brackets are used to group all the document types together and AND is used to connect with your main concept.
If you wish to search for Australian guidelines only, use AND to connect Australia as another concept.
Note: Truncation symbols do not work well in Google. It's better to search for variation of terms separately, e.g. guidelines OR guideline.
Search for documents within a particular website
You can use Google to locate documents within a particular website. Below is an example of a Google search for a government published document:
- in the search field, type site: and then enter the URL without the www.
e.g. site:health.gov.au - Enter the keywords and document type immediately after the URL.
Note: This search technique will only work for publicly available document, it cannot retrieve information from any Library database with a firewall.
Learn more:
Background information
- Australian Food Composition DatabaseA reference database that contains data on the nutrient content of Australian foods.
- Consumer: Food StandardsAn independent statutory agency that develops standards in food production.
- Diets - CSIROScientifically backed diet and lifestyle programs.
- Eat for healthAdvice about the amount and kinds of foods that we need to eat for health and wellbeing.
- Health Direct: Healthy EatingAn Australian government-funded service, providing quality health information.
- Nutrient Reference ValuesThe NRS (Nutrient Reference Values) are a set of recommendations for nutritional intake based on currently available scientific knowledge.
Government information
- Australian Government Department of HealthFederal Government Department site providing extensive health information and resources for the general public and health sector. Reports, government responses, procedures, strategies and more.
- SA HealthSA Government department providing reliable health information and updates.
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)Australia's national agency for health and welfare statistics and information.
Non-government organisations
- Australian Institute of Food Science & TechnologyThe only national independent voice and network for Australia's food industry professionals.
- World Health Organization (WHO)The WHO promotes health, provides information and responds to emergencies.
Professional bodies
- Nutrition AustraliaAn independent, member organisation that aims to promote health and wellbeing.
- The Nutrition Society of AustraliaPromotes the scientific value and relevance of nutrition science in Australia.
- Australian Health Promotion AssociationAn association for the practice, policy, research, and study of health promotion.
Policies, practice and standards
For policies, practice, standards and guidelines, please see the next tab in this guide.
Other relevant guides
