UQ Abroad
Using Libraries Overseas
Congratulations - You're studying overseas!
With so many new experiences and challenging environments UQ Library would like
you to know that some things stay the same. You can still access all of UQ
Library's extensive collection of online resources, request document delivery
and even contact a librarian for help if you get stuck.
Of course, part of studying overseas is being challenged by new environments so
here are a few hints about using your Host library overseas.
When visiting your Host Institution's library please be aware that there may be
differences in the way the library operates and the resources it provides as
compared to UQ. Some libraries will be better resourced than UQ though others
will have less resources. However many libraries will have special orientations
and information for exchange students and some libraries in non-English
speaking countries will provide information in English.
While libraries in the UK, USA and northern Europe will be very similar to what
you are used to, libraries in other countries can operate differently. Some
libraries have closed "stacks" - that is you are not able to browse the shelves
but have to order books from the catalogue instead. Some libraries close for
lunch or do not open on weekends or evenings. Other libraries charge for
services such as Internet access and database searching.
Library Resources
As a UQ Abroad student you still have access to the following library resources:
Databases and Journal Articles - you still have full access to these. See 'Journal Articles' tab for more information.
Books - You can still borrow books from our collection which we can mail to you. Please be aware however that you will be responsible for returning these books to UQ and postage can be expensive!
Document Delivery - Requests can be made for Journal Articles and Book Chapters via Document Delivery as these will be delivered to you electronically.
Librarian Help - Ask-a-Librarian is still available to you. Just bear in mind the time zone differences! Alternatively you can send us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Journal Articles
For recent information, journal articles are often the best sources. Looking through individual journals in the hope of finding relevant material is time-consuming. It is better to use the databases to find articles on your topic.
You can find journal articles on your topic by searching databases.
You can search for databases relelvant to your topic by selecting your subject area from the Subject Guides list and then looking under the 'journal articles' tab.
You might find the Database Searching and Explaining Journal Articles "How-to" Guides useful if you're having difficulty searching databases.
Newspapers
You can access curent and historical, Australian and international newspapers online.
The following databases are useful for finding news and current affairs information:
Factiva is updated daily, providing the latest news from Australian and International newspapers.
Informit TV News indexes the majority of TV news stories, current affairs and documentary series broadcast on Australian television. Individual stories may be downloaded to the desktop in a compressed video format.
Trove A project from the National Library of Australia, digitising out of copyright newspapers. NLA is creating a free online service that will enable full-text searching of newspaper articles. This will include the first newspaper published in each Australian state and territory from the 1800s to the mid-1950s when copyright applies.
For more specific newspaper research refer to the UQ Library "How-to" Guide for news & newspapers.
Technology
Things to do before you leave
- Install anti-virus software and ensure your machine is running well. ITS offers Sophos Anti-Virus to students for free at: http://www.its.uq.edu.au/student-software. In general you should only install one anti-virus program - so consider removing the existing software if you wish to install another.
- Ensure that you have strong passwords that aren't all the same and aren't just a word. They should be 8 characters long with a capital letter and a number where possible.
- Change email and social network settings to always use HTTPS where possible.
- Give your parents power of attorney, make copies of your passport and credit cards. Inform your bank you're going overseas and get international banking numbers so you can take immediate action if your accounts are being misused.
While overseas
- Use the Eduroam network if it's available or a secured network from your overseas institution.
- Avoid unsecured public wireless networks. Never use any passwords or personal information on public or internet café computers.
- Use VPN for accessing Educational Content. http://uqconnect.net/vpn Please note that UQ monitors content through their VPN so it should only be educational and not breach the code of conduct. Contact UQ connect for more information on how to appropriately use this service: http://uqconnect.net/contacts
- Never open unsolicited attachments, or follow an email link to change your passwords for example from your bank. They will never do this.
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