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The internet is a popular place to start your research. Use these tools to locate, evaluate and access resources.
Searching the internet can result in finding useful information not available in Library databases, including government publications, reports, statistics, conference papers and websites. You will need to evaluate the information you find to ensure it is appropriate to use.
The LibKey Nomad browser extension gives you access to scholarly articles directly from the web.
When searching Google Scholar, PubMed or the internet, you can easily connect to Library subscribed content using the browser extension LibKey Nomad.
OpenAthens is a single sign-on authentication service for accessing electronic resources both on and off campus.
If you start your research from a Google search or go to your favourite database or publisher website (for example, Informit or ProQuest), you will be able to sign in with your ACU login directly at the website using OpenAthens authentication.
Google Scholar searches academic publishers, professional societies and pre-print archives.
When you search Google Scholar on ACU computers, or through ACU wifi, you are automatically connected to library resources.
Learn how to connect Google Scholar to ACU Library resources
Use Wikipedia as a starting point for background reading and identifying keywords. As a rule you should not use it as a reference in a university assessment.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Instead of Wikipedia, consider using reference material such as encyclopaedias, dictionaries and handbooks. These resources can be cited in your reference list.
Some examples include:
You can make some educated guesses about the reliability of a website if you know a little about their URL and domain names.
| Domain names | |
| .com (commercial) | Used for commercial purposes. Can be registered by anyone and can serve any purpose. |
| .org (organisation) | Intended for use by charities and non-profit organisations. Used by schools, communities, open-source projects and for-profit entities. Can be registered by anyone. |
| .net (network) | Used by internet service providers, but can also be registered by others, including commercial entities. |
| .edu (educational) | Used only by educational or academic institutions. |
| .gov (government) | Used only by government entities. |
| .asn (association) | Used by incorporated associations, political parties, trade unions, sporting and special interest clubs. |
| .int (international) | Used by international organisations such as the World Health Organisation. Often registered for treaty-related purposes between nations. |