Course Overview

Develop and enhance your existing reference and searching skills.

The focus of this course will be on the core practises of this fundamental library skill, as well as searching in the web-based world. Consideration will be given to advanced searching skills - more than just 'Google' - plus the possibilities and challenges that advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI) and metadata provide.

This is a 3 week professional development unit. You will receive a Certificate of Participation upon the successful completion of this course.

Course Content

Simple and complex reference searches are part of any information role. Regardless of subject matter or mode of delivery there are common underlying principles.

This course will address these basics to refresh your skills and add more.

The more will explore how you can perform efficient internet searches to produce maximum results.

In addition, we'll explore the possibilities of advancements such as AI and metadata.

Areas covered will include:

• Definition of reference work and searching
• Skills required for reference work and searching
• Examples of questions, communication, strategies and results
• Advanced internet searching
• New technologies (AI and metadata)

There will be the opportunity to explore content, share practises, offer opinions, provide examples and complete exercises.

Right for you if...

Involved in any type of reference or searching work.

Interested in learning new skills and refreshing existing ones.

Working in a public, special or academic library, or engaged in any reference role.

Course Delivery

Contact with facilitators will be through online forums on Moodle (the online Learning Management System used by TAFE NSW for these courses).

Participants will connect with each other through forum discussions.

There are no specific times you need to be available.

The time investment required is approximately 5 hours per week, depending on the individual.

The course is designed to be completed in 3 weeks but as it is developed to be self paced, it is possible to finish a little earlier or later depending on your learning styles and needs. However, if you wish to vary the usual time taken, please discuss this with your teacher.

Participants require a computer with internet access.

In partnership with...

Our training partner for this course is TAFE NSW. TAFE NSW is the leading provider of vocational education and training in Australia. Each year, more than 500,000 students enrol in their nationally recognised courses and training.

What to expect once you have registered

Following the close of registrations, which is 3 October, we will be in contact with you before the course commences to provide you with further information about the next steps of enrolment: TAFE student registration and Moodle login set up.

More information

Cancellation Policy