Getting started: A guide to those first steps when you get a new assignment

What do you do when you receive a new assignment? Take some time to do some thinking. Make a plan to get you over the initial phases. Define and limit your topic Decide what information you need Make a list of search terms Begin your search

What’s it all about? Read the task sheet carefully. Note down the date due; the length; the form the presentation is to take. Think about time management NOW. Make sure you understand the meanings of any words or concepts given as part of the task. Use dictionaries, text books or encyclopedias – in print or on-line If you are still unclear, ask your teacher

Define and limit your topic Many assignments give you a lot of choice in your topic. This can be a problem and lead to a lot of wasted time. If you can’t decide on a topic easily, do some general reading in the area. Choose something that interests you and/or something that is topical. Start thinking about your research questions NOW. Pay attention to the issues/ideas in which arise in your general reading

What kind of information do you need? How do you best take in information? Which sources are best for you – text? audio? video? Think carefully about what different sources of information are most useful for – Encyclopedias – general background Periodicals and newspapers – current information One resource or type of resource is rarely going to be enough for a good result.

Make a list of search terms Brainstorm – be creative, be specific, think of synonyms for key words. Use Inspiration 6 to create a mind map if it will help. Look for terms that appear frequently in your reading. Look for words/terms printed in BOLD in encyclopedias, or text books. Search terms are the subject headings and key words you will use to search for information – in books, on the Net, or in databases.

Search Tools: Tools to help you find the best information. The Hillbrook library catalogue OLIVER – access books, videos, DVD’s and periodical articles. Use the special features of the OPAC to limit your search

Access through Go to the Resource Centre links page to access Databases: (print) ANZ Reference Centre – periodical articles Echo – news summaries of contemporary issues Expanded Academic Index – journal articles Databases: (Non-print) Web links and Library Webs Online encyclopedias – Britannica and World Book

Use as a gateway On the Resource Centre Links page you will find Hillbrook online reference collection including State Library Netlinks and Homework Helper; University of Queensland Cyberschool Access to other library catalogues: Brisbane City Council Online catalogue and online reference collection (also Moreton Region Council)

Begin your search Oliver OPAC – a good place to start. Look for a Reading List under Quick Clicks. Search in Any words for your search terms Is there a Pathfinder available on this assignment? Look at (Resource Centre links – Pathfinders and hotlists) Pick up some of the Resource Centre leaflets about how to use various search tools most effectively. Use databases like Web links or Library Webs before you search with Google.