Welcome The University of Queensland Library has one of the largest collections amongst academic libraries in Australia and the largest in Queensland.  Its collection includes over two million volumes, networked databases, thousands of print and online journals and electronic books. Discovering what's available and learning how to use these sources will ensure that you can locate quality information for your assignments quickly and efficiently. Figuring out how to use the Library can seem a bit daunting at first, but it's definitely worth the effort. There are lots of online guides, tutorials and training sessions written by the library staff to help you find your way around. Some are written especially for distance students. Discover the Library early in your time at University – it will be well worth the effort. Adapted from ‘Hang in There’ website and Welcome brochure.

Getting started The Library website is your starting point to locating information.  Follow this link for New Staff and Students to find out how University of Queensland Library can assist you in your studies.

Accessing the Library The UQ Library includes thirteen branch libraries serving St Lucia, Ipswich and Gatton campuses.  Libraries with collections of interest to your studies are: Dorothy Hill Physical Sciences and Engineering Library, St Lucia, Building 50 Subjects covered include:  Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Applied Science, Geology, Maps Biological Sciences, St Lucia, Building 5 Subjects covered include: Agriculture, Life Sciences, Medicine, Therapies, Veterinary Science Don’t forget you can visit the library in person or remotely.  Your student number and password can be used to access library resources from wherever you are located!

Finding information The Library catalogue is used to locate books and electronic resources. Subject guides provide a useful starting point to locating resources in your subject area. Databases are used to locate journal articles and conference papers – browse by subject using the drop down menu list. How-to Guides provide assistance on using resources including Citation Guides to help you format your references and bibliographies. Try out the Quick Reference, a combination of library subscription resources and internet websites to help you easily find facts, figures, addresses, statistics, definitions and dates.

Support for external students The following services are available to postgraduate external students:  Requesting library items – enables you to request items from any UQ branch library.  Document delivery – enables you to request items that are not held by the UQ Library Read a case study about a student locating and accessing information on a topic related to the sustainable minerals industry.

Learning tools - save time looking for information As an off-campus postgraduate student the Library provides a range of training courses to assist you. Researchers and Postgraduates Information Discovery (RAPID) a flexibly delivered information skills course developed for postgraduates and researchers.   The course is accessed via the University eLearning website and should be listed on your Blackboard Welcome page.  RAPID is not only a convenient and easy way to learn, it will help you use information resources to their full potential.  It also teaches you how to use EndNote enabling you to manage your references. The Library’s AskIT provides computer help and training.   Checkout the AskIT Answers site or use Learningfast designed to assist you with applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and many others.

Research case study Read a case study of a students’ search for information relating to an assessment task.