Contact the library
We can provide advice about USC Library services and guidance and instruction in searching for, and in the use of, library and information resources.
Chat online to a Librarian during select hours or leave a message with the offline form.
Zoom and telephone consultations: Undergraduate students can book a 15 minute consultation with a librarian. Chat with us online to schedule a Zoom call.
Self help
USC Library encourages students to become independent learners. We have created many guides and tutorials to help you develop your understanding and skills:
Discover the library
This interactive tutorial introduces you to the USC library services, collections and spaces.
Researching for your assignment
This interactive tutorial explains how to understand your assessment topic, identify keywords and create your search strategy to find relevant, credible sources.
These guides provide information and advice for assessment research
What are credible sources?
Before you begin searching for information, you need to understand the different types of sources and when you might use them. This guide explains the difference between academic and non-academic sources and provides tips on evaluating and fact checking.
USC Assignment Calculator
Learn about the process of completing a written assessment. The calculator provides a step by step approach with progressive due dates to help you complete your assessment on time. Each step provides links to additional resources for help.
Research skills tutorial
This tutorial breaks down the process of searching for credible sources so you can:
- analyse your task
- develop a search strategy
- select and find appropriate sources
- evaluate, use and reference sources
Referencing Guides
It is essential to understand the principles of referencing and why, what, when and how to cite sources. The four formats used at USC are:
These guides introduce you to the library services and resources
I'm new to the library
Learn about the library services and resources and how to:
- login for full accessÂ
- request a digitisation or click and collect
- renew your loans
- return during and after hours
Find information
Learn about how to find:
- a source from a reference or citation
- books, book chapters and ebooks
- journal articles from peer-reviewed, academic journals
- statistics, newspapers and multimedia
Google Scholar
Learn how to set up the Library links in order to search Google Scholar and find articles at no cost. This guide also explains when you may be able to use Google to find information online.
Copyright for Students
Learn about Copyright and how it affects you as a student, with specific information about how to avoid plagiarism.
MyPrint support
Learn more about printing, copying, SSAF credit and more.
Library Guides
Explore the subject guide for your discipline and the full range of how to guides.
Further help
Support for Academics
The Library supports academics with semester preparation, resource selection and teaching endeavours.
Support for Researchers
The Library can help researchers through every stage of the research journey.