Examples of requests

• Where can I find the last 3 months financial press on XYZ Telco, and a report by the J group on the role of organic growth in companies?
  


• Can you do a literature search on women re-entering the workforce after a break issues. I’m looking for the barriers they might face?
  


• How can I find Total return analysis and historical share information for ABC Mining Company?
  


• Can you find two articles published in the Australian Press last month on K Company and development of Centrepoint with a quote mentioning “an ever watchful little brother?”

Researching your assignment, where do you start?

Before you jump onto Google or one of the databases take a few moments to work out exactly what you are looking for. These tips will help keep you stay on track. 

Step 1: Take a moment
Try and summarise in a sentence what you are really looking for.
What type of information are you after? Do you need market or industry research? Some statistics? Company information?

Step 2: What words to use
Once you have clarified what you require and have written it down, identify the key words or search terms or concepts that match what you are looking for. 

Step 3: Jump online
Use the Advanced Search options in Google or the databases. This will help you to combine these search terms.

Step 4: Refine, refine, refine
Got a few things that are close? If you are using a database check what subject terms or keywords they use. Then use those search terms to refine your search. There may be a better term to use, most databases have a thesaurus, have a look at what terms they use. Some databases suggest topics at the top of the page or have a ‘Find More Like This’ link.

Step 5: Ask for help
If you haven’t found what you are looking for, or feel like you are on the right track in 10mins Ask A Librarian. Seriously, we can assist with advice on which are the best resources to use and how to use them.

Where would you go to find information on how online tourism companies make money from hotel bookings?

Ask a Librarian

One of the roles of the Frank Lowy Library is to help AGSM students, faculty and staff with research assistance.

We are here to answer your questions. No question is too easy or too difficult. If you're unsure of a research topic, why not talk to the library before sinking an hour into researching on Google. If you suspect you may need to use one of the library's research databases, take a moment to contact the library and we can give you some pointers for using the database effectively and fine-tuning your research strategy.

Here are the different ways in which you can use the Ask a Librarian research assistance service.

1. By email. Just email library@agsm.edu.au or complete the Ask a Librarian form which is available on the What's New page.

2. By phone. Call the library on +61 2 9931 9390. After verifying your identity as a member of the AGSM community, we'll get right onto your question. Some questions can be answered immediately while you're on the phone. Others may require more work and will require a follow-up call or email.

3. In person. Feel free to stop in at the Frank Lowy Library and make use of its printing and photocopying and computing facilities, as well as the Information Commons.
The library is also a nice and quiet place to study and catch up on the newspapers. Executive MBA students: to use the computers, just ask a library staff member to log you in, and to use the Information Commons, contact AGSM Academic Affairs to give you access.