Information Skills

• How can I improve my information research skills?
• What is the Information Skills Program?
• How do I create a reference list or bibliography for my assignment?
• What help is available to improve my Internet skills?
• What help is available to improve my computer skills?
• What help is available to improve my study skills?

• Try an interactive guide that will take you step by step through the process of finding, evaluating and presenting information for your assignments. Guides are also available for a wide range of subject areas.
• Take a library tour - they are available throughout the year. A short orientation to the library services and facilities is a great starting point for a successful life at TAFE.
• Learn to use the library catalogue - it provides you with access to a wealth of educational and recreational resources. Here is a guide - or you can ask the library staff to show you. We will teach you how to use the catalogue and how to locate what you need - fast!
• Use the online subject guides - they contain:
  • Quality websites - recommended by teachers and librarians
  • Selected databases - access to journal articles and other information online
  • Featured resources for loan - books, DVDs and more
  • Topic searches linked directly to the library catalogue
  • Research tips and referencing guides
• Use the printed guides that are available at each library. These include subject guides to local collections, as well as guides to using eResources and the Internet.
• Use the printed guides that are available at each library. These include subject guides to local collections, as well as guides to using eResources and the Internet.
• Ask for assignment help - the library staff can help you find resources and information to support your studies. eResources such as full text journals and encyclopedias are available online, and quality web links have been selected to provide you with a range of information and research options.
• Read the library blog for the latest information on services, databases, new websites and helpful tips and tricks.
• Try our online self-paced Information Skills Tutorial - it is designed to enhance your information skills and will help you to plan your search and locate information using a variety of sources. You will also learn how to evaluate, organise, present and reference/cite your information.
• Check out the links below for basic computer, Internet and study skills.
• Participate in the Information Skills Program that is offered at each library.

• This program is designed to help you gain valuable skills in locating and evaluating information that you can use to complete your assignments and research. Librarians work with teachers to prepare timely and relevant sessions based on your current needs. Click on the links below to view more details about each session.

  Using the Library Catalogue | Research Skills | Referencing and Bibliographies
  Searching the Internet | Using Journal Databases | Using Standards Online

  Also available - Introductory Library Tour | Using the DET Portal

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• For help in compiling a bibliography - ask your librarian or refer to our Bibliographies Guide.
• For online assistance, you can use the Sydney Institute Libraries' Interactive Guide to Bibliographies - simple software designed to provide you with ready to use citations for your bibliography.
• The University of Wollongong provides a number of guides to Referencing and Citing Sources.
• The Australian Bureau of Statistics provides a detailed Guide to Citing ABS Sources.
• The library's Copyright and Plagiarism page provides you with links to information about these two important topics, as well as an excellent online training program - HSC: All My Own Work.

• Internet Tutorials - An excellent guide to the Internet, including a web overview, RSS feeds, search tools and techniques, and how to locate current, hidden and scholarly content.
• BBC Webwise Online Course - Learn how to use the Internet.
• The Internet Detective - a free tutorial to help you evaluate the information you find on the Internet.

Your library staff provide training in research skills and searching and evaluating the Internet - please contact your library.

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• TLN New User Tutorial - This short tutorial is designed to help people who have never used a computer before.
• BBC Absolute Beginners' Guide to using your computer - guides to using the mouse, computer components, posture, the keyboard, scrolling and using windows.
• BBC Computer Tutor - Basic keyboard and mouse skills - allow an hour for this tutorial.
• Peter's Online Typing Course - a set of free online typing lessons and typing exercises for beginning typists.
• Customguide Quick Reference guides to Microsoft Office 2007, Mac and Adobe products.
• Beginners training for Office 2007 - from Microsoft Office Online.
• 2007 Office System training courses - from Microsoft Office Online.
• Word 2003 to Word 2007 command reference guide - an interactive guide from Microsoft Office Online.
• Word 2007 Help and How-to guide - - from Microsoft Office Online.

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• Your library has a range of books, videos or DVDs covering topics such as communication skills, essay writing, public speaking, report writing, stress management and time management.
• Ask your librarian about local campus services such as TAFE Counsellors, Individual Learning Centres or Tutorial Support.
• The Career Advice and Counselling page on this website contains study skills help as well as a range of support information for students.
• Visit TAFE Studylinks for tutorials and guides to assist you with information and research skills and study strategies.

Information Skills Program 2010

Covers searching for Australian Standards using the Illawarra Institute's subscription service.

Note: These sessions are offered subject to the availability of resources, facilities and staff time. Sessions generally take place in class groups, but individual sessions are also available. Contact your library or teachers can complete our online booking form for library tours and classes.

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