Online HSC resources

Australia and New Zealand: One File (Gale)

Access comprehensive periodical and newspaper content with a focus on Australia and New Zealand . Includes Australian News Limited and Fairfax newspapers. [Library membership required]

Britannica Library

Suitable for all ages and provides access to images, primary source material, videos and links to other websites.
[Library membership required]

General: OneFile (Gale)

Provides millions of articles from thousands of general interest magazines and periodicals. Find information quickly for general research topics from careers to education and technology. 
[Library membership required]

Information Science: OneFile (Gale)

Access articles covering all aspects of managing and maintaining information and technology. Updated daily. [Library membership required] 

National Geographic Virtual Library

This comprehensive collection includes National Geographic Magazine Archive, 1888-1994, National Geographic Magazine Archive, 1995-Current, National Geographic: People, Animals, and the World and National Geographic Kids. From its founding in 1888, the National Geographic Society has grown into an organisation synonymous with exploration, photography, maps and rethinking the world as we know it. [Library membership required]

Other resources

Bored of Studies

Contains resources and student forums to help with HSC studies.

Charles Sturt University - HSC Libguide

This site provides subject resources, information and advice to help students prepare for their HSC.

HSC Hub: NSW Department of Education and Training

The HSC hub contains high-quality, on-demand resources that will help prepare for exams. 

Sparknotes

Study Guides for a variety of subjects.

State Library of NSW

Access eResources and subject guides in English, Ancient and Modern History, Legal Studies, Science, and Society and Culture prepared by the State Library of NSW. 

Ancient and Medieval History (Infobase)

Explore important wars, peoples and the cultures of Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Also includes Medieval Europe, Asia and the Islamic Empire up to 1500AD.
[Library membership required]

World History : In Context (Gale)

Provides an overview of world history covering the most-studied events, cultures, civilisations, religions and people. [Library membership required]

Other resources

BBC Ancient History

Topics covered include Greek, Egyptian, Roman, British Prehistory, Anglo Saxons, Vikings and India.

The History Teachers’ Association of NSW

Contains resources, upcoming webinars and events, videos and podcasts.

Internet Ancient History Sourcebook

Includes links to visual and aural material, this site focuses on online texts that have been translated more than 75 years ago.

State Library of NSW

A fantastic guide to other Ancient History websites put together by State Library of NSW staff.

Biology

Microbiology Information Portal 

Resources include general and industrial microbiology, education, publications, news and articles.

National Human Genome Research Institute

A US organisation containing a wealth of information on genetics designed for students.

Tree of Life Web Project 

Provides information about biodiversity, organisms and their evolutionary history.

Chemistry

ChemiCool

This site has a chemistry dictionary, along with the periodic table. 

Web Elements

Everything you need to know about chemical elements, information includes periodical table, compounds, atoms, isotopes and others.

Physics

Explore Physics

A guide to physics on the web, provided by the Physics in Society team at the Institute of Physics.

PhysLink.com

The PhysLink.com is a comprehensive physics and astronomy online education, research and reference web site.

ABI/Inform Global (Proquest)

A comprehensive business database providing in-depth coverage from thousands of publications, including business, economics, management theories and techniques. [Library membership required]

Business Insights: Global (Gale)

Research detailed company and industry profiles including share market and financial reports. Find case studies to examine real life business situations. [Library membership required]

Research Library (Proquest)

Provides information and articles on over 150 subjects including art, film, music, business, news, general research, health and medicine, history, literature, science and technology, and social sciences. [Library membership required]

Other resources

Australian Government Treasury

Treasury provides economic analysis and authoritative policy advice on a variety of issues and also works with state and territory governments on key policy areas, as well as managing federal financial relations.

business.gov.au

An Australian government initiative, this website provides essential information on planning and starting your own business.

CIA World Factbook

Provides information on 267 countries, including history, government, economics, society and country comparisons.

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the government and works to ensure the Australian Government's presence overseas is secure and helps co-ordinated Australia's global, regional and bilateral interests.

EBE: Economics and Business Educators NSW 

Find useful resources and curriculum materials on economics, business, legal and commerce studies.

OECD

Provides economic, finance, trade and other data on countries.

Marketing Magazine

An Australian online magazine, providing online resources related to the marketing industry.

Reserve Bank of Australia

Access publications, research and statistics.

AustLit – Australian Literature Gateway

Authoritative information on hundreds of thousands of creative and critical Australian literature and more than 67 000 Australian authors and literary organisations. Its coverage spans 1780 to the present day. Also includes selected critical articles and creative writing in full text. [Library membership required] 

Bloom's Literature (Infobase)

Examines great writers, important works, memorable characters and influential movements and events in world literature. Has a fantastic section on Shakespeare. [Library membership required]

Literature Resource Centre (Gale)

Offers a wide range of authors and their works, including a large collection of full-text critical and literary analysis. [Library membership required]

Other resources

Langston Hughes Poetry

A collection of poems of Langston Hughes, provided by NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA).  

Oodgeroo Noonuccal Poetry

A collection of Oodgeroo Noonuccal poetry, provided by NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA).

Sparknotes

Study Guides to literature and other subjects

State Library of New South Wales

This guide will help you find the best books, articles, websites, online databases, and catalogues - sourced and verified by state library experts.

Texts and Human Experiences

Great site developed by Campbelltown Performing Arts High School.

Britannica Library

A free online resource that provides comprehensive information on the cultural backgrounds of Australia’s biggest migrant populations, including explanations of common cultural attitudes, practices, norms, behaviours, social structures, etiquettes and communication styles. The public resource is funded and supported by SBS, IES and Multicultural NSW. [Library membership required] 

Environmental Studies: In Context (Gale)

Provides users with comprehensive information to understand important topics that affect people around the world. Explore today’s top environmental issues from global climate change to pollution and populations studies. [Library membership required]

Global Issues: In Context (Gale)

Analyse important global issues and events through topic overviews, international viewpoints, news, and multimedia content. [Library membership required]

National Geographic Virtual Library

This comprehensive collection includes National Geographic Magazine Archive, 1888-1994, National Geographic Magazine Archive, 1995-Current, National Geographic: People, Animals, and the World and National Geographic Kids. From its founding in 1888, the National Geographic Society has grown into an organisation synonymous with exploration, photography, maps and rethinking the world as we know it. [Library membership required]

Other resources

Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment

Contains a wealth of information and government reports on topics ranging from climate change, biodiversity, water, national parks and more.

Cultural Atlas

A free online resource that provides comprehensive information on the cultural backgrounds of Australia’s biggest migrant populations, including explanations of common cultural attitudes, practices, norms, behaviours, social structures, etiquettes and communication styles. The public resource is funded and supported by SBS, IES and Multicultural NSW. 

The Environment, Energy and Science (EES) Group

The EES Group is part of the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment. The website Contains a wealth of information and government reports on topics ranging from climate change, biodiversity, water, national parks and more.

Australasian Legal Information Institute (AUSTLII)

Provides free access to the full legislation from the Commonwealth, ACT, NSW and SA, plus all Australian treaties, tax rulings, and collections of law reform. It also includes the full text decisions of over 20 Australian courts and tribunals, as well as indigenous law, human rights and other secondary materials databases.

Australia & New Zealand Newsstream (Proquest)

Provides access to leading Australian and New Zealand media outlets including regional and major metropolitan newspapers, and content from ABC and APP newswires. [Library membership required]

Find Legal Answers

Developed by Legal Information Access Centre (LIAC) at the State Library of NSW, this database provides access to current and easy to understand information about the law in NSW.

Research Library (Proquest)

Provides information and articles on over 150 subjects including art, film, music, business, news, general research, health and medicine, history, literature, science and technology, and social sciences. [Library membership required]

Other resources

Hansard and NSW State Parliament

Hansard transcripts are the official record of the proceedings of the NSW State Parliament.

Human Rights & Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC)

The Australian Human Rights Commission is an independent statutory organisation, protecting and promoting human rights in Australia and internationally.

Law Access

This site is hosted by the Department of Communities and Justice. It is a government portal website to law and justice agencies in New South Wales. It also provides information on a variety of legal issues.

NSW Legislation  

This site provides information on the NSW legislation in force, both Acts and Regulations. Also has historical versions of legislation.

World History: In Context (Gale)

Provides an overview of world history covering the most-studied events, cultures, civilisations, religions and people. [Library membership required]

Other resources

Anzac Portal

Provides information on WWI, WWII, Korean, Vietnam and Gulf War.

Australians at War

The Australian War Memorial website covers Australia's involvement in war from the time of the first settlement to our involvement in the Gulf War.

Gallipoli and the Anzacs

Compiled by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs this site provides information on the Gallipoli landing, construction of the ANZAC Commemorative Site and information on visiting Gallipoli today.

History Teachers’ Association of NSW

Contains resources, upcoming webinars and events, videos and podcasts.

Marxists Internet Archive

The Internet’s largest collection of Marxist writings, includes photos and biographies.

Second World War 1939-1945

Provides information on the Australian experience during WWII.

Drug Info @ Your Library

Access valuable information regarding recreational and illicit drugs. This resource is managed by State Library of NSW and the NSW Department of Health.

Health and Wellness (Gale)

A health reference designed to inform and educate readers about a wide variety of medical, scientific, theoretical, and practical subjects associated with health care. [Library membership required]

Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine: OneFile (Gale)

Access academic journals and magazines covering the fields of physical therapy, physical fitness, and sports medicine. [Library membership required]

Other resources

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

Australia's national agency for health and welfare statistics and information.

Australian Sports Web

Includes useful information on biomechanics, nutrition, coaching, drugs, violence, athlete profiles, as well as general information on sports in Australia.

MedlinePlus

Provides an encyclopedia, dictionaries, and information for health consumers.

NSW Department of Health

Provides information on common health topics, includes publications and resources.

Sports Medicine Australia

Contains factsheets on different sport injuries. 

Other resources

Bible Gateway

A searchable version of the Bible, also available in other languages.

Catholic Encyclopedia

Provides "full and authoritative information on the entire cycle of Catholic interests, actions and doctrine."

Discover Islam

Wide range of topic areas exploring Islam with related issues.  

Environmental Studies: In Context (Gale)

Provides users with comprehensive information to understand important topics that affect people around the world. Explore today’s top environmental issues from global climate change to pollution and populations studies. [Library membership required]

Science: In Context (Gale)

Understand context for hundreds of science topics through overviews, journals, news, interactive experiments, and more. [Library membership required] 

Science Interactive (Gale)

Helps students better visualise and understand concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science with engaging, interactive 3D models. [Library membership required]

Other resources

ABC Science

ABC's (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) Online Gateway to Science.

CSIRO

Australia’s national science research agency. Great site for research on topics such as, climate change, renewable energy, environment and agriculture.

The Climate Council

The Climate Council is an Australian leading the way in communicating climate change.

Gender Studies: OneFile (Gale)

Discover balanced coverage of topics related to gender studies, family and marital issues, and more. [Library membership required] 

Opposing Viewpoints: In Context (Gale)

Find overviews, news, and opinions on hundreds of today's important social issues. [Library membership required]

Pop Culture Studies: OneFile (Gale)

Access scholarly journals and magazines that both analyse and contribute to popular culture. [Library membership required] 

Research Library (Proquest)

Provides information and articles on over 150 subjects including art, film, music, business, news, general research, health and medicine, history, literature, science and technology and social sciences. [Library membership required]

Other resources

Cultural Atlas

A free online resource that provides comprehensive information on the cultural backgrounds of Australia’s biggest migrant populations, including explanations of common cultural attitudes, practices, norms, behaviours, social structures, etiquette and communication styles. The public resource is funded and supported by SBS, IES and Multicultural NSW.

Research Library (Proquest)

Provides information and articles on over 150 subjects including art, film, music, business, news, general research, health and medicine, history, literature, science and technology and social sciences. [Library membership required]

Other resources

Art Gallery of NSW

The Art Gallery of NSW collects, preserves, documents and displays both Australian and international art. Art education is also one of its roles. Great learning resources available on the website.

Google Cultural Institute

Features content from over 1200 leading museums and archives who have partnered with the Google Cultural Institute to bring the world's treasures online.

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia 

The Museum of Contemporary Art exhibits, collects and interprets work from today’s artists. Great learning resources available on the website.

National Gallery of Australia 

The National Gallery of Australia is the leading visual arts institution in Australia.  Learning resources collection is quite detailed.

Powerhouse Museum – Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences

Contemporary Australian museum specialising in arts, science, innovation and design. Online resources include collection sets detailing Australian inventions and design technology. 

Ask a Librarian

The Ask a Librarian services allows library members to ask questions online and receive answers via email, or over the phone. We can help answer general questions about using the library, or help you locate information for your studies, work needs or personal interests. Please note: we cannot undertake detailed research for you.

Studiosity

Provides free, 24/7 online tutoring services for students in year 3 and beyond! Practice tests and study survival guides are also available. 
[Library membership required]