3. Search the web
Deakin Library databases contain quality information sources that you will not find as efficiently via Google.
Deakin Library has databases that have a strong focus on information technology. By searching these databases students can find more specific and reliable information.
So, when is it okay to use Google? Google is useful to find publicly available information, e.g., Government reports, authorised data or statistics such as by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
If you do need to search the web, Google has instructions to get you started.
Be aware!
Click on the flip cards below to view some reasons to be cautious when using Google and Google Scholar to search for relevant, credible, academic resources:
Is your information credible?
Government websites (.gov) and the websites of education institutions (.edu) are more credible than commercial websites (.com).
Personal blogs, online forums and Wikipedia are not authoritative sources, although they may give you a basic overview and understanding of a topic and provide links to more authoritative sources.
Tip
Simplify your access to resources by using our Deakin Library Bookmarklet tool, installing the LibKey Nomad browser extension, and linking your Google Scholar to Deakin Library.
Helpful websites
Click on the plus (+) icons below for lists of Australian and international websites that are helpful in the discipline of Information Technology.
Australian websites
- Australia’s Chief Scientist
Provides authoritative and independent science advice on whole-of-Government science and technology priorities, to ensure the best evidence informs Government decision-making.
- Australian Computer Society (ACS)
ACS is the peak body representing Australia’s Information and Communication Technology sector. They regularly publish white papers on the field of information technology and also provide industry news.
- Information Technology Professionals Association (ITPA)
Information Technology Professionals Association (ITPA) is a not-for-profit organisation established to advance the understanding of ICT matters within the community, corporate and government sectors in Australia.
- Australian Cyber Security Centre
The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) leads the Australian Government’s efforts to improve cyber security. Our role is to help make Australia the most secure place to connect online.
- Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG)
DSTG brings together interdisciplinary expertise from across Australia and around the world to address Defence and national security challenges.
- Australian Signals Directorate (ASD)
Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) is a vital member of Australia’s national security community, working across the full spectrum of operations required of contemporary signals intelligence and security agencies: intelligence, cyber security and offensive operations in support of the Australian Government and Australian Defence Force (ADF).
- AusCERT
A not-for-profit company supporting services to accommodate all areas of network security for organisations.
- Business Insurance Specialists
A company that provides list of cyber security breaches in Australia. This can assist people to gain a better understanding of the level of cyber security breaches that are occurring in the public domain.
- Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) is an independent agency within the Attorney-General’s portfolio. Their primary functions are privacy, freedom of information and government information policy. The provide information on data breaches.
- National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007) - Updated 2018
The National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007) (National Statement (2007), and as updated, consists of a series of guidelines made in accordance with the National Health and Medical Research Council Act 1992.
- Australian Bureau of Statistics
Australia’s national statistical agency and an official source of independent, reliable information. We tell the real story of Australia, its economy and its people by bringing life and meaning to numbers.
- Retractions Australia
Retractions Australia is an online resource dedicated to highlighting data regarding scientific retractions - the removal of published research papers from scientific journals.
International websites
- Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
ACM, the world's largest educational and scientific computing society, delivers resources that advance computing as a science and a profession.
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was founded in 1901 and is now part of the U.S. Department of Commerce. To promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life.
- Cryptographic Technology (CT)
They research, develop, engineer, and produce guidelines, recommendations and best practices for cryptographic algorithms, methods, and protocols.
- GitHub
A popular software development platform.
- Retraction Watch
A website that contains a database of retracted papers.