Definition: A general reference resource may be physical or online resources. They are our encyclopedias, dictionaries, atlases, almanacs, etc. and are useful as a natural starting point to your research. They can provide a detailed overview for your topic as well as extra terms and/or keywords that will assist your further research.

The library has a variety of information sources and a willing librarian here to assist you. Using your Education Department login, use your library OPAC to see what resources we offer.

Suggested Resources:

1) Britannica Online: this online resource can be accessed thought the school’s OPAC.

• You will see there are three user levels – kids, teens, adults. Choose the user level teens as your starting point.
• enter your keywords to start your search and a list of possible articles will appear
• there are two navigation menus: on the top changes reading levels and that on the left-hand side of the page allow you to change your search to relevant images, videos, journal articles
• select your article and note the navigation menu on the left-hand side
• note the utilities menu on the right-hand side – this is useful for citations, translations, text to audio, and text enlargement
• within the article itself, there are hyperlinks to additional material, along with photographs and videos
• a handy feature is a dictionary which is accessed by selecting a word and double-clicking
• hint: to start your search try entering “aboriginal peoples”

2) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Relations

• Library area, Reference R 342.940872 BEH
• Difficulty level: C

• This book provides an introduction to the issues of the mistreatment Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples since the introduction of Anglo-Australian law. It addresses the struggle of Aboriginal peoples to have their laws, culture, and history recognised within the framework of Anglo-Australian law.
• It is suggested that you use the contents and index section of the book to find the specific area that suits your research (hint, use your keywords) and read this section only.
• This book has discussion questions for you to explore, designed to assist in developing your understanding of the issues.

 

 

 

3) 1001 Australians you should know

• Library area: Reference R 920.094 CRE
• Difficulty level: A,

• This book looks at 1001 significant Australian people and gives an account of their contributions to Australia and the world.
• There are some significant Aboriginal people whose contributions are very relevant to your research
• The book is divided into several areas of contribution. Explore politics, public service, and social activism
• Each section is ordered alphabetically using surnames.
• Hint: start your search using names given within your keyword list