Q. Scope of Librarian Services: What can the Academic and Research Librarians help me with?

Scope of Librarian Services

Purpose 

CDU Academic & Research Librarians are dedicated to empowering students and faculty by helping them make effective use of the resources provided by the Library. We offer expert guidance to support your research, referencing, and resource management skills, fostering academic success and independent research skills. 

Services provided 

Our Academic & Research Librarians are here to help you: 

1. Effectively utilise Library resources 

• Teaching you how to navigate and use Library Search effectively. 

• Offering guidance on using specific databases to locate information. 

• Assisting you in identifying keywords relevant to your topic. 

• Supporting you in developing an effective search strategy. 

2. Access self-help resources 

• Providing access to a wide range of self-help resources such as subject guides, instructional videos, and tutorials. 

3. Learn referencing and resource management 

• Offering guidance on the use of referencing/resource management software, esp. EndNote. 

• Assisting with referencing styles like APA, Harvard, and AGLC to ensure proper citation of resources. 

4. Engage in research support services 

• Teaching skills to develop a search strategy and use databases effectively. 

• Providing guidance on Research Data Management (RDM), including creating an RDM plan, data storage options, and understanding policies. 

• Offering support on publishing research and navigating copyright issues. 

• Advising on ways to promote and measure the impact of your research. 

• Assisting in setting up your online research profile, such as ORCiD. 

5. Participate in learning workshops 

• Providing regular workshops that cover a wide array of research and information literacy skills, accessible through the Library Workshop Calendar. 

Service limitations

Please note that Academic & Research Librarians do not: 

• Create your search strategy or locate resources on your behalf. 

• Do your referencing for you. 

• Proofread or edit assignments. 

• Provide subject-specific advice or recommendations. 

• Offer feedback on writing style or skills. 

• Conduct research on your behalf. 

Our Librarians are here to offer guidance and support but do not make decisions or complete research tasks for you. 

Our commitment to quality 

CDU Academic & Research Librarians are committed to: 

• Providing timely, respectful, and professional support. 

• Offering clear and accurate guidance tailored to your needs. 

• Maintaining and updating resources to ensure relevance and quality. 

Roles & responsibilities 

Library users’ responsibilities: 

• Take initiative in engaging with resources and completing assignment/research tasks. 

• Use the guidance provided to develop independent research skills. 

• Seek assistance proactively and attend scheduled workshops. 

Librarian responsibilities: 

• Offer professional expertise to empower users in research and information literacy. 

• Maintain a supportive environment that encourages inquiry and learning. 

• Ensure equitable access to library services and resources. 

To access the assistance of the CDU Academic and Research Librarians, email askthelibrary@cdu.edu.au