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Assignments: get started

Use the Library to get started with your assessment

Finding information for your assessment

InformationThere are many sources of information and knowing where to look will ensure you always find the resources you need. 

This section will cover:

  • Types of sources you will need for your assessment
  • Searching the RMIT Library for high quality sources
  • Finding the Library Subject Guide that contains resources and databases recommended for your subject area
  • Searching Google and Google Scholar.

Types of sources you will need for your assessment

Your assessment brief will often specify the types of sources required to support your research.  Check with your tutor or teacher if you are not sure which sources are appropriate.

Click on the image hotspots (i) below to find out more about different types of information sources.

Scholarly and peer reviewed sources

You will often be asked to use scholarly or peer-reviewed journal articles in your assessments. Scholarly sources can include books, journal articles, conferences and theses.


Watch this video to find out more about scholarly and peer-reviewed sources.

RMIT University Library (7 February 2022) ‘What is a scholarly source?’ [video], RMIT University Library, YouTube website, accessed 14 February 2023. https://youtu.be/mmJlV642eTo

 

The Ulrichsweb: global serials directory is an authoritative source of information about journals.  Use Ulrichsweb to:

  • Check if a particular journal is peer reviewed 
  • Find journal titles in your subject area (advanced search)
  • View detailed information about a journal and access the publisher's website.

Searching the RMIT Library

RMIT Library's search engine, LibrarySearch, will include many of the resources you'll need to complete your assessments. Using LibrarySearch can save you time because you will find a variety of information sources in one place.

Log in to LibrarySearch to get full access to resources and to save your searches and results.

 LibrarySearch on the Library homepage, highlighting login for full access.

Watch this video to learn how to access resources through the RMIT Library.

RMIT University Library (7 October 2022) ‘What is LibrarySearch?’ [video], RMIT University Library, YouTube website, accessed 14 February 2023. https://youtu.be/MG3RhhlWKc0

Subject Guides and Databases

Your subject guide will direct you to the most appropriate and relevant databases for your subject area. 

Look for the Library Essentials section on the Library homepage and go to Subject guides to find the guide most relevant to your study area. 

 Library essentials section on the library homepage, pointing to subject guides link.


Watch this video for more information about databases.    

RMIT University Library (28 October 2021) ‘What’s a Library database?’ [video], RMIT University Library, YouTube website, accessed 22 February 2023. https://youtu.be/aiw7E2At5LY.

Searching Google Scholar

Google Scholar offers a range of scholarly resources including journal articles, conference papers, theses and technical reports. Some of these sources are available in the RMIT Library online collections.

Accessing Google Scholar with the Library links setting set to RMIT will give you full text access to sources from the Library's online collections, as well as free resources. See Accessing Google Scholar for further advice and tips.

 

Articles can be accessed by clicking on thPDF or the FindIt@RMIT link.

Example of FindIt@RMIT and PDF ariticle links on Google Scholar search result