Ask the Library

Google Scholar

Google Scholar is an internet search engine that searches across scholarly literature.

Watch this video for more information - Why search Google Scholar?

How can I access full text articles from Google Scholar?

Search Google Scholar through the Library’s ‘Search Google Scholar’ page this provides you access to the full text of articles to which the Library subscribes.  Click on the “Fulltext at UniSA” link to the right of the article.

How can I setup Google Scholar to always display the “Fulltext at UniSA” links?

Follow the ‘setup your browser’ instructions available on the Library’s Google Scholar page.

Can anyone use Google Scholar?

Alumni/Community members can access fulltext open-access articles but will have limited access to “Fulltext at UniSA” articles due to licensing agreements. 

A good place to start your search is the Library Catalogue.

When searching for information, think about the keywords or phrases that describe your topic. You can combine your keywords to enhance your search using connectors such as AND, OR.

For example:

• "global warming" AND Australia
• "global warming" OR "climate change"

Handy Hints:

• To search for phrases, use double quotes. E.g. "global warming"
• To find variants of a word, use the * symbol. E.g. ethic* finds ethic, ethics, ethical etc.
• To find different spellings of a word, use the ? symbol in place of a letter. E.g. organi?ation  finds organisation or organization
• To exclude words or phrases, use the connector NOT. E.g. Java NOT Indonesia
• In the catalogue, as well as many databases, you can use the advanced search option to search within specific fields such as title, author, keyword or subject term

For further information, have a look at the range of How To guides

• Plan your search [PDF]
• Save Time Searching Databases with Truncation, Wildcards and Phrases [PDF]
• Plan your Search [video, 2 minutes]
• Learn to Search the Library Catalogue [interactive tutorial, 15 minutes]

More help is also available under 'How do I refine my search?'.

Regular Library opening hours are 8am-midnight weekdays, and 10am-6pm on weekends. City West is open 24 hours.

After-hours use of Library buildings is limited to current UniSA students and staff and you will need to use your swipe card to access the building.

You can contact staff on the Ask the Library service 8:30am-midnight weeknights, and 10am-6pm on weekends.

These times can change, so it’s best to check what time a library opens or closes on the Opening Hours page.

For help getting started with your assignment, check to see if an Assignment Help has been developed for your course. 

You can also have a look at the Subject Guides for broader help in your area of study.

If you need further help with understanding your assignment question and how to get started, check out the range of Study Support resources and services offered by Student Support Services.

The Library is responsible for several Special Collections, which provide a rich source of information on Australia's political, social and public health history. The Collections focus on prominent South Australians, including Bob Hawke, the first Prime Minister of Australia born in South Australia.

Detailed information about the Library’s Special Collections can be found via the Archives & Special Collections guide.

Some Collections can be accessed by searching the UniSA Library Archive Catalogue. For further information and access please contact Ask the Library.

Special collections include: 

• Bob Hawke
• Alexander Downer
• Rosemary Crowley
• Dr Basil Hetzel
• De Lissa Association
• Chris Hurford
• Sir Eric Neal
• Professor Lowitja O’Donoghue
• Dr Gregor Ramsey
• Social Work Historical Collection
• Gavin Walkley
• Colin Thiele
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
• Art
• History of Primary Education in South Australia (HOPE)
• University Publications

You can borrow a laptop if you are a UniSA student. 

• There are NO requests or renewals
• Laptops are located in the self-service units. You can find them at the following campuses
  • City West: Level 2 of the Jeffrey Smart building, near the Tech Zone
  • City East: Level 3 in the corridor opposite computer barn B3-30
  • Magill: East Wing, to the right of the entrance up the steps
  • Mawson Lakes: Ground floor, behind the Ask the Library/IT Service Point

• They can be borrowed for up to 4 days
• A fine of $5 per day will be applied to your account if the laptop is not returned on time
  • Charges also apply for lost or damaged laptops or missing parts
• Laptops are loaned with a charger (no mouse or bag)
• You can use your student card or barcode on the UniSA App to borrow/return
  • Follow the instructions on the screen to borrow or return a laptop
  • When returning, you must plug the charger (from the self service machine) back in to the laptop

For more information and software installed on the computer check out the Laptop Borrowing page

You can access your ereadings via the ereadings link in the course essentials panel of your LearnOnline course page.

This will take you to eReserve, UniSA's new reading list management system.

Check out the short video below to learn more.