Effective Use of Learning Resources

A libraries: In all courses, but particularly if you are studying Humanities, Social Sciences or Law, you are expected to make use of the library for your own reading and research. This means you must learn how to use the catalogues, the indexes to periodicals, the audio-visual materials (including taped lectures and other recorded programmes), the language laboratories and other research tools.

If you are in a large first year course, many of the books you need most frequently may be on a special Short Loan system which means you can only borrow them for a restricted period – maybe two hours - and you can only read them in the library itself. First year Science and Technology students usually have less need to use the library at this early stage of their studies; more time and emphasis are placed on lab sessions.

Most people feel bewildered when they first encounter a complex library system. However, there are special staff (Readers' Advisers) whose job it is to help students understand how the library works. They frequently run courses in library use early in the academic year and they are available to help you with any problems you have in locating books or tracking down information.

D students and staff: As we noticed earlier, the general atmosphere of a university is impersonal. At first you may feel too overawed by your lecturers to venture into their offices and `trouble' them with your questions about a lecture or an essay or a problem sheet. Yet most academic staff, from professors to tutors, are quite willing to talk with students about matters relating to their work in the course. But they will expect you to take the first step by coming to talk with them.

Your fellow students can also be a useful source of information and help. Some students are hesitant to seek help from others in case this is seen as `cheating' or taking advantage of their friends. However, tertiary study is often best managed co-operatively. A study group of three or four students discussing issues raised in a , lecture, or working out the problem in a weekly assignment, or revising for an exam can be a very effective way of learning. Particularly ­if you are living in a residence you should find it easy to form such a group.

Finally, most Australian universities and colleges employ counsellors, study advisers, and English language tutors who can assist you with your studies. These services are usually free and available to all enrolled students. Nearly all students, at some point in their career, make use of them. them.

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most Australian universities