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Engineering

Find and use relevant resources for Engineering

About this guide

This Guide will help you find, select, evaluate and reference information resources for your assignments and research.

Use the navigation on the left to identify and develop your understanding of:
- Key information sources and how to access them
- Key steps in the research and referencing process.

Use the quick links on the right to connect to essential Library tools and webpages, and for Subject and Research Guides on related topics.

Search, Select, Evaluate

MultiSearch

MultiSearch is the Library’s search platform that provides access to the majority of Library resources. You can use it to find books, journal and newspaper articles, theses, databases, unit readings, exam papers, and more. Access MultiSearch:

Research Databases

MultiSearch searches across most of the Library's resources, but it doesn't search everything.

To make sure you are finding all relevant literature, you can also search the databases included in this guide. Research databases may be subject specific or cover many different topic areas. The search techniques you use in MultiSearch are usually the same ones you use in the databases.

When you are analysing an assignment task or searching on a topic, try using alternative phrases for the same concept. You might find one phrase gives you far more results than the others. Below are some examples to start you thinking;

Lightbulb Use inverted commas to link two words together as a phrase

Subject 

Alternative search terms

Structural Engineering

"civil engineering" ; building ; 
Defect Weakness; obstruction; 

Construction

Building; assembly; erection;

LightbulbTry linking one of your search terms with another concept from your assignment. The 'AND' in the middle is capitalized to link the terms, e.g.

"defect" AND ''weakness'' AND "obstruction"

"construction" AND "erection"

Often, you will be required to find and use peer-reviewed journal articles in your units.

What is peer review?

  • Before an article is approved for publishing, it is sent to peer reviewers to analyse
  • The reviewers are recognised authorities in the field.
  • The reviewers may request revision or reject the article.

Peer review is important because: 

  • It is a guarantee of quality academic material.

How do you choose peer-reviewed material?

  • By checking the 'Peer-Reviewed Journals' box in the filter pane on the left side of the MultiSearch search result screen.

Choosing peer-reviewed sources for your assessment is a great start, but there are other things you need to think about when selecting the right material. Learn more about how to evaluate sources;

Quick Links for Students