Resources

Library Resource Training and Education

To make the most of the library it is highly recommended you attend the Information Skills for Researchers and Postgraduate Workshop. Run throughout the year this workshop is a great way to learn how to effectively search library catalogues, databases, citation indexes and the internet.

You will also be taught how to use endnote, a personal reference database.

This piece of software is free to postgraduates and is an excellent way to keep a biographical record of the articles and books you are using.

You can get a copy of endnote from the AskIT desk on level 2 of the SS&H library (Duhig Building, St Lucia)

AskIT also run workshops on computer skills, including working with Windows, word processors, spreadsheets and presentation programs like PowerPoint.

The Cybrary also offers online software tutorials for a number of popular titles via the website.

Liaison Librarian

For individual help tracking down the obscure or hard to find information you can see your liaison librarian specialist. For Journalism and communication we have Bernadette Maullin

Bernadette Maullin has been working in the UQ Library system for a number of years predominately in the Social Sciences & Humanities Library.

Since completing her Masters of Applied Science, Library and Information Studies (MLIM) in 2007, she has worked as a Liaison Librarian at the Ipswich Campus Library and the Walter Harrison Law Library. In March 2009, Ms Maullin was appointed as Liaison Librarian for the School of Journalism & Communication and the School of Psychology returning to the Social Sciences & Humanities Library. Providing support and assistance to researchers’ Ms Maullin can work with you to:

  • support your research activities
  • Advise you on the best sources of information for your research
  • Offer training and support in the latest research and information-access skills for you and your students
  • Ensure the collection best suits your needs - contact your Liaison Librarian to suggest new purchases to support your research
  • Meet with you - to discuss your needs and help you develop library and information literacy skills
  • Help you find information for your research or assignment
  • Assist you to effectively use information resources

Ms Maullin research interests include information literacy and library ‘anxiety’. She is currently enjoying her time in the area of arts, holding a BA (majoring in Literature and Communication).

Student Support Services

Another useful resource for student support services (SSS). They offer a wide range of workshops and courses on research skills as well as career planning and personal development.

Many of these workshops are tailored to postgraduate students. For upcoming courses or further information visit: www.sss.uq.edu.au

Building 21D (Accommodation and Careers Service in Building 21C)

Office hours are 8.00am – 5.00pm Monday- Friday
Phone + 61 (7) 3365 1704
Email ss@uq.edu.au
Fax + 61 (7) 3365 1702
(After Hours Emergency) 1800 800123

Supervision

For more information on what you can expect from you r supervisor follow the link: http://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/phdwriting/fr_phfaq.html

Planning and writing your thesis

The fact that people approach writing in different ways is an important observation because people usually assume that everybody writes in the same way. In fact at school we are all instructed to make a plan and then write the essay. But we are not all ‘planners’ –some of us are ‘get-it-all-out-ers’. It is not at all easy both (i) to say what you want to say and (ii) to say it in the best possible way at the same time. It is sensible therefore to do it in stages. (Phillips & Pugh, 1987: 60).

Early on in your candidature, you will probably spend a lot of time reading brainstorming and planning. There is a wealth of excellent information and literature available to you on how to plan and write a thesis.

Please find below a list of resources links you may find useful.
Additional Resources Links

  • PHD: First Thoughts to Finished Writing: Provides practical advice for PHD Students
  • STARS: Skills to Advance Your Research (University of Technology Sydney): Provides information on good work practices, thesis and career development
  • Thesis Submission and Graduation (University of Wollongong): This site consists of two sets of resources: one on thesis structure and style. The first set provides an overview of the structural characteristics of different thesis types. This overview is supplemented with examples from thesis chapters in a range of disciplines. The second provides an overview if style and language characteristics of these thesis types
  • SJC Nvivp Forum: There is a web forum for RHD students at SJC. The forum has treads on methodology, data analysis, using Nvivo and other information on research workshops, resources and events.
  • Graduate School Resources 

Presenting and Publishing your work

As your advisors will tell you, presenting and publishing your work is an enormously rewarding exercise. Not only does it help you to organise the material you have been researching and to articulate your ideas, it is an excellent way to get feedback from people with expertise in your field.

Conferences

Conferences bring together researchers with a particular interest in a topic or discipline from around the world. They are a great way to meet people whose work you may not have read and quot4edand to build networks that can lead to collaborative research. Often conferences are a way of finding out what research is being done in your area before you see it published. For the postgraduate student, this is also a forum for meeting more experienced researchers who can help you with your own work or who can help you find work in your field when you graduate.

Usually conferences allow 20-30minutes for you to present your paper, followed by a few minutes of questions.

Most people say it is best not to read your paper verbatim and to keep your presentation material simple.
Your principle advisor can help you prepare for your presentation, but probably the best teacher is practice. The more you do the better you get.

Presenting a paper in the School Seminar Series is a great way to gain experience.

There are also other forums around the University where you can present your work in a less formal environment than a conference.

You can research upcoming conferences through this helpful webpage on the libraries website: http://www.library.uq.edu.au/nott/subject_vr.php?id=CO.

On this site