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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

  • 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

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.

Sociology Databases 

Provides access to international literature on politics, sociology, social work, anthropology, criminology, linguistics, education, and more.

Covers aspects of healthcare, social services, education, and related areas from a broadly social scientific perspective.

Provides global Indigenous research in areas like anthropology, cultural studies, education, history, human geography, law and land rights, psychology, race studies, and sociology.

Includes titles covering such subjects as sociology of organisations, sociology of culture, social theory, sexualities, social change and modernisation.

Provides sources on the international literature of sociology, social work, and related disciplines in the social and behavioral sciences.

Want to Know More?

Read: How to Save Time Searching Databases (PDF)

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

Statistics

The Library provides access to dedicated statistics databases.

When searching these, there is no need to include the term statistics. Instead, keep your search broad. Just search for a keyword on your topic, for example: 'migration' or 'homelessness'.

Australia’s national statistical agency.

The data database of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Statistics and studies gathered by market researchers, trade organisations, scientific publications, and government sources on over 600 industries.

Provides a global centre for data on trade, energy, industry, environmental, demographic, and social statistics gathered from national and international sources.

Alternatively, when searching other databases, search engines, or the Library Catalogue for statistics, simply add the words 'statistics' or 'data' into your search.

In the news

Searching the latest news can provide insights into the current developments shaping and impacting societies around the globe.

Content includes news, current affairs, documentaries, and more from broadcast and pay TV.

Consolidates current and archived information from thousands of newspapers, blogs, videos, broadcast transcripts, periodicals, government documents, and more.

Offers access to leading Australian and New Zealand newspapers.

Indexes Australian television news, current affairs and selected documentaries from free-to-air networks.

navigate to news media guide

The News Media guide provides an overview of some of the main news outlets and the different types of media you can look at and search through.