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Finding Information Sources: Choosing where to search

How to find credible sources your lecturer will love!

Types of Resources

Icon of a newspaper on a blue background     POPULAR     Icon of a newspaper on a blue background Icon of a briefcase on a yellow background     TRADE     Icon of a briefcase on a yellow background Icon of a graduation cap on a green background   SCHOLARLY   Icon of a graduation cap on a green background

✦ Magazines, newspapers, broadcast news, blogs…

✦ Generally written by journalists

✦ Inform the general public about current events and pop culture

✦ Industry resources and publications

✦ Written by professionals for professionals

✦ Share specific news, trends, technologies and best practises

✦ Books and journals by scholarly publishers

Written by researchers for other researchers

Disseminate research and scholarly discussions

 

Choosing the right sources is essential for building strong, credible arguments.

decorative icon of a book Books provide comprehensive coverage of a single topic or theme. They often offer in-depth analysis and can serve as key references for understanding broader contexts and historical perspectives.
decorative icon of a journal article Academic Journals are your go-to for rigorous, peer-reviewed research. These provide deep dives into specific topics with reliable data.
decorative icon of a government report Government Reports offer official statistics and policy directions. They can help you understand the current state and future plans for Australia.
decorative icon of an industry magazine Industry Publications give you the perspective of the industry sector, often focusing on practical, real-world implications and technological advancements.
decorative icon of a news paper Credible News Outlets are great for staying updated with the latest developments and public opinion but should be cross-referenced with academic and official sources.
decorative icon of a website Websites are versatile and can be highly useful for accessing up-to-date information, multimedia resources, and a variety of perspectives, but always apply critical thinking to assess their quality.

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   Frequently Asked Questions

Have you checked your Reading List?

When you first start a new unit, make sure to have a look at your Learnline and see if there is a Reading List attached to the unit.

It should be available on the left-hand menu (BB Original)

OR within your unit content (BB Ultra)

Lecturers can use reading lists to organize and link resources and readings, to direct you to resources they think would be useful and relevant to your areas of study.

Helpful links

Library home page
Study Skills site
Language and Learning support home page
Current students information page
Reading list link
Distance learning help
Recorded workshops
Past exam papers
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