Improve your research skills for efficient and effective study.
Seven top tips to improve your information research skills:
- Try using the online Research Help guide. It will take you step by step through the process of finding, evaluating and presenting information for your assignments.
- Take a library tour anytime throughout the year. You will be given a short orientation to the library services and facilities and it will give you a great starting point for a successful life at TAFE.
- Learn how to access the library catalogue using this guide or ask the library staff to help you.
- Use the online subject guides or the printed guides that are available in each library.
- Ask for assignment help. The library staff are more than happy to help you find resources and information to support your studies. Remember to use eResources to access full text journals and encyclopaedias which are available online.
- Visit the How To Guides page for help in areas such as basic computer, internet and study skills.
- Sign up for our Information Skills Program - more details below.
The Information Skills Program
The Information Skills Program is designed to teach you how to locate and evaluate information for your assignments and research. Your teachers and librarians work together to prepare relevant sessions based on your current needs.
How does the Information Skills Program work?
The Information Skills Program offers a variety of sessions covering a range of topics. Normally these sessions take place in class groups, however individual sessions are also available.
If you're interested in a session, contact your library or ask your teacher.
Note. Sessions are offered subject to the availability of resources, facilities and staff time.
Introductory library tour
This tour introduces you to the range of library services and facilities, including a brief introduction to the library catalogue. If you're a new student, it is a great idea to take part in this basic session.
Using the Library Catalogue
Learn how to use the TAFE NSW library catalogue, including basic and advanced searching. You will also be shown how to view your own loans record and reservations and how to renew loans online.
Research skills
Learn basic research skills such as understanding the assignment question, constructing a bibliography, searching the library catalogue and locating appropriate library resources.
Referencing and bibliographies
In this session you will learn about referencing and bibliographies, plagiarism, the Harvard referencing style and how to locate the details needed to cite a book; journal or newspaper article; non-book item; internet pages.
Searching the internet
This session will introduce you to search engines and directories as well as covering search strategies and how to evaluate the quality of information retrieved from the internet.
Using journal databases
You will be introduced to a range of online databases (eResources) which give you access to full-text magazine and newspaper articles and other quality information. This session can cover one database in-depth or briefly introduce a number of databases.
Using Standards Online
This session shows you how to search for Australian Standards using the Illawarra Institute's subscription service.
Using the DEC TAFE Portal
This session will introduce you to the DEC TAFE Portal, the gateway to DEC online services. This includes an email account and Student eServices where you can access your own enrolment details and results. Watch this tutorial about accessing the Student Portal.