Information Systems/Technology Program Guide
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Now that you're an undergraduate student at CQU, your lecturers and tutors expect you to find and use information that meets academic and professional standards. This is a skill that develops as your knowledge and experience grows.
This guide lists different kinds of resources relevant to the study of IT/IS, including:
- Dictionaries and encyclopedias
- Books
- Journal articles
- Websites
- Course Resources Online (CROs)
- Evaluating information
- Referencing and plagiarism
Dictionaries and Encyclopedias
Dictionaries and encyclopedias can help you gain an understanding of a topic area by locating background information, definitions or explanations of words and concepts:
- Search the Library Catalogue for a dictionary or encyclopedia - use 'dictionary' or encyclopedia' as keywords.
- See our Web Reference Sources for links to more online dictionaries and encyclopedias.
Below is a sampling of useful reference sources for clarifying definitions and providing background information for IS & IT topics.
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IS/IT dictionaries & encyclopedias |
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Computer Dictionary |
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Dictionary of Computing |
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Dictionary of Information and Communication Technology |
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Dictionary of the Internet |
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Encyclopedia of Computer Science |
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Netlingo |
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TechEncyclopedia |
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Books
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Books are an important source of information. Books can provide you with specific information on a particular topic as well as detailing theories and concepts fundamental to IT/IS Studies.
Below are some sample subject headings which may prove useful for IT/IS.
For further help in identifying keywords, consult the links in the boxout to the right for further assistance.
While the Library Catalogue can be used to find journals, it can not be used to find articles within journals. Refer to the section on Journal Articles for further information.
Journal Articles
Journals usually focus on a very specific area of interest or research. Journals can often provide more in-depth information than books. They also offer the latest published research in a particular field.
In the fast moving world of IT & IS, journals are usually the best place to get up to date information. Especially journals such as conference proceedings.
For a list of databases relevant to IS/IT Studies, check out:
Websites
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Searching for resources on the World Wide Web can be a huge, but rewarding task. IT/IS in particular are well represented on the WWW, possibly even overrepresented.
You should be aware that due to the ease of publishing information on the web, it is vital that you evaluate the types of websites you include in your academic work.
Here are some websites you may like to begin with.
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Useful IS/IT websites |
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An entry point to resources related to information systems technology for information systems academics and practitioners. |
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The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is responsible for the regulation of broadcasting, radiocommunications, telecommunications and online content. |
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(ACC) has a wide range of publications dealing with its functions and the legislation for which it is responsible. Some are general in their scope while others are concerned with specific aspects of the law of the Commission's administration of it. All Commission publications are listed on this site and may are available online. Internet & e-commerce are covered by this government body. |
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The Australian Computer Society (ACS) is the recognised association for Information & Communications Technology (ICT) professionals, attracting a large and active membership from all levels of the ICT industry. A member of the Australian Council of Professions, the ACS is the public voice of the ICT profession and the guardian of professional ethics and standards in the ICT industry, with a commitment to the wider community to ensure the beneficial use of ICT. |
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ACM is a major force in advancing the skills of information technology professionals and students worldwide. For access to the ACM Database, go to here. |
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find departments and government bodies such as the ACA and ACC which publish key documents in the areas of telecommunications, information technology, electronic commerce and other related areas. |
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AJOL is the National Library of Australia's database of Australian electronic journals, newspapers, magazines, webzines, newsletters and e-mail fanzines. The database provides details and links to over 2000 titles that include local and overseas works with Australian content, authorship and/or emphasis as well as entries for sites which advertise or promote Australian journals. |
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a searchable knowledge map of contemporary business, management and information technology issues. |
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Course Resources Online (CROs)
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CROs are extra reading materials (book chapters, journal articles etc.) that your lecturer has asked to be made available online.
Evaluating information
When using information for academic study you need to be more critical of the information you find.
Given the ease with which information can be published on the internet, the task of evaluation is even more important.
Referencing and plagiarism
When undertaking academic research, you will draw on the ideas and works of other people. At CQU you must acknowledge the contributions of those people by referencing the work you have used.
Failing to acknowledge your sources is plagiarism.