La Trobe University Library offers a huge range of online resources, services and personalised support.
If you’ve just started your first semester at La Trobe, or if you’ve been here awhile but have not yet explored what the Library has to offer, here’s five Library resources you should be using:
1. The Library website
The Library website is much more than just a place to borrow books or check opening hours. It offers a wide array of services, resources and programs to assist you in almost any aspect of study, including:
Expert Help Guides provide step-by-step guides and tutorials on how to find information, complete assessments and resources and tips for different subject and discipline areas.
Our Academic Referencing Tool, which will show you exactly how to reference different information types (books, journal articles, newspaper articles etc).
Search tools that provide access to a wide variety of resources and information for assignments.
Reading lists where you can access all your subject readings in one place and save a ton of money.
Upcoming events calendar where you can discover in-person and online workshops on topics such as academic referencing, time management, search skills, exams, writing assignments and more. We also host various displays, stalls and events throughout the year, like book swaps and Chat and Connect.
2. Library experts and one-to-one support
Need some help with study or assignments? We offer 30-minute consultations where you can discuss assignments, ask questions, get tips to improve your general study skills and receive personalised support and advice.
Book an appointment with one of our experts for help with:
- Study skills, assignment planning and academic writing
- Finding information, referencing and identifying assessment/research questions
- Research and publishing
Alternatively, you can contact us online through Library Chat.
3. Study skills workshops
We offer a wide variety of workshops throughout the year. Workshops can be especially helpful if you’re new to studying at university.
Designed to boost your confidence and give you the skills to succeed in your studies, workshops cover a range of topics, including:
- How to tackle different assignment types (literature reviews, essays, reports etc)
- Academic writing
- Referencing, Turnitin and plagiarism
- How to use databases and Google Scholar
- Time management
- How to avoid burnout, and much more
To find out about upcoming workshops, you can check our events page or follow us on Facebook.
4. Licensed software and databases
The Library buys subscriptions to databases and software so you can find useful and interesting information on a wide variety of topics. Library databases contain very specific, reliable information designed to help you with research, coursework and assessments.
Our databases provide access to scholarly peer-reviewed articles, newspaper articles, book reviews, magazine articles and much more.
5. Peer Learning Advisors (PLAs)
The Library’s PLAs are fellow students specially trained to help you with study and assignments. They can help you with any discipline, at any campus.
PLAs are on campus every weekday in the Library and no appointment is necessary. You can visit either face-to-face or drop-in via Zoom. You can check PLA availability on the Library Learning Services LMS.