Things to Consider when Choosing Sources
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Are you unsure of the meaning of a particular term?
Do you need more background information?
Does your topic include a geographic restriction?
Are you restricted to particular dates?
Do you need to use peer reviewed sources?
Work out what type of information you are looking for before you start searching so you can choose the most appropriate source to use. Your information needs will often determine the sources of information you need to consult.
Are You Unsure of the Meaning of a Particular Term?
A dictionary is a good place to start if you are unsure of the meaning of a word.
In addition to a range of general dictionaries and encyclopedias you will find a range of subject specific dictionaries and encyclopedias in the Non-Circulating Collection. You can find dictionaries using the Library Catalogue.
You can also find a wide range of dictionaries and glossaries online. A number of sources of dictionaries are available from the Online Reference Resources page.
Do You Need More Background Information?
Basic concepts are often covered most clearly in a text or reference book.
Check your reading list to find materials in the Reserve Collection. To find out more about how to find references on a course outline, refer to Interpreting a Reading List.
Check the Library Catalogue for books on your general subject area.
Does your Topic include a Geographic Restriction?
Sometimes a topic focuses on a particular location, such as a country or region.
To find information about topics specific to Australia, for example, the best place to start looking is in Australian resources.
Try using an Australian database such as ANZ Newsstand, APAFT, AGIS or Informit. (Please note that off campus access to databases is restricted to University of the Sunshine Coast students and staff. You will need to authenticate using your University of the Sunshine Coast network login and password.)
You can also find information from international sources or on the Library Catalogue by including Australia as a keyword in your search terms.
Are You Restricted to Particular Dates?
Sometimes you may have a topic which requires you to find information published in a particular time frame or to investigate a particular event that occurred in a particular time frame or a period of time.
If a time frame has been stated, make sure the information you find is written during or about the time frame you need. Most resources, such as the library catalogue and databases can be searched by publication date range or by keywords on a time period.
If you need to find information about events or time periods, you may need to do some background research to find which dates are relevant to your topic.
Do You Need to Use Peer Reviewed Sources?
A peer reviewed journal, also known as a refereed journal, is one where articles submitted to the journal are reviewed by experts who work in the field of research before the articles are accepted for publication.
This may be in the form of review by an independent editorial board or by a process where articles are sent to reviewers independent to the board, who are experts in the field, to independently assess for quality, accuracy and other criteria.
Some databases allow the searcher to restrict the search to peer reviewed journals, whereas for other databases you may need to do some more research. Learn more about how to identify peer reviewed journals.
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