Five tips to get you started in the library this study period
No matter what or where you study, the library will be a key part of your success at Deakin. While our libraries are some of the busiest buildings on campus, we also offer a huge range of helpful advice, information and personalised support online.
If you’re in your first trimester at Deakin, or if you’ve been here for a while but still aren’t sure what we offer, here are five tips to get you started on making the most of your library.
1. Live chat with expert library staff
Library Chat is a favourite of Deakin students and staff all over the world. By clicking on the chat icon on the library website, you can get in touch with a library staff member instantly. Get help finding your recommended reading, ask for guidance on resources or discuss any number of library-related enquiries – right from your desktop or smartphone.
2. Browse recommended resources for your subject area
A great place to get started with research is your recommended Library Resource Guides, which you can find right underneath the Library Search bar. These guides offer tips, links and helpful resources, all compiled by Liaison Librarians that specialise in your area of study.
You can also check out topic-specific guides under Finding and using resources, which will help you improve your digital literacy, understand your copyright obligations, learn about peer review and much more.
3. Meet your Liaison Librarian
Your Liaison Librarian will be an important partner in your study at Deakin. They specialise in certain faculties and schools, which gives them key insight into the resources and support you need. Liaison Librarians will often present a session in your unit early on in the trimester, so make sure you look out for that class and don’t miss it!
You can find and contact your Liaison Librarian anytime.
4. Develop your study skills
The library’s Skills for study page is brimming with useful resources, video tutorials, search planners, guides on a huge range of topics and much more. It’s the perfect place to explore as a new student.
5. Find what you need with Library Search
One of the best tools on our website is right at the top of the library homepage. Library Search is powerful, easy to use and designed to help you find what you’re looking for. There are a few tips to make it work best for you!
Search by title: Type the title in the search bar and click the magnifying glass to find a specific book (tip: add the author’s surname if the title is a common word or phrase).
Search by topic: Type a word or phrase (using double quotes “” to keep more than one word together) and click the magnifying glass to search a huge range of books, journals, videos, databases and other resources in our collection.
Search for your reading list: Figuring out which resources from your reading list are in the library could not be simpler! Just click the ‘Unit Readings’ button under the search bar and type in the name of your unit or your unit code.
For other library search tips, check out this blog.
Looking for more information?
If you want to learn more about what the library can do for you, check out our Orientation session ‘Explore your online library‘ on Thursday 3 March from 3–4pm, or watch a recording later in UniStart. You can also take a guided or self-guided tour of the library, and keep an eye on our What’s On page to find upcoming training sessions, workshops and events. Happy studying!
Originally published on Article, the Deakin Library blog.
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