Finding information
We provide access to a wide collection of search tools e.g. Library Search, databases and online resources e.g. journal articles and ebooks to help you with your assessments, research and learning. Being able to search for and find quality information is an invaluable skill that you will use both while at University and in your professional career.
Library Search
Library Search is our “discovery” tool which you can use to find information from our print and online collection. It works the same as Google, in that you can search for information from the whole of the Library’s collection at once. Use Library Search to find:
- materials on your topic
- recommended journals and ebooks
- your course readings
- videos and sounds recordings
- much more!
Visit Using Library Search to access it and check out our guide on how to use it effectively. Make sure to log in as this will help you access all the materials available to you as a UQ student.
Databases
Library Search finds information from across our whole collection. Databases can be used to find information specific to your topic. These are collections of information and can be:
- subject/discipline specific (e.g. ProQuest Performing Arts Periodicals)
- resource specific (e.g. BSOL: British standards online)
- specific to a geographic area (e.g. AustLit database of Australian literature)
- specific to a time period (e.g. Perdita manuscripts: Women writers 1500-1700)
- multidisciplinary (e.g. Scopus).
Constructing a search
Creating an effective search is an essential research skill. Visit our guide covering simple and advanced search techniques to learn how to develop your search effectively.
Library guides
Not sure where to start your research or which are the best databases to search in your discipline? We have guides for different subject areas, resource types and techniques to help get you started. Check out:
Subject guides
View the subject guide for your area of study to get recommendations on the best material to start with including:
- recommended textbooks
- links to databases
- other resources relevant to your subject.
How to find guides
Our How to find guides cover techniques for finding specialised resources such as:
There are also guides for discipline specific materials in the areas of psychology, health and medicine, business, law and music e.g. psychological tests, company information.
Research techniques
If you are looking for assistance with how to find, analyse, visualise or write about research, you can check out our research technique guides. These cover areas like:
Check our all our guides – they are great starting points!
