Library News

Study SMART – Build your skills in Writing and Referencing

Mastering the various academic writing formats and referencing styles can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Our Study SMART guides and tips provide the best methods to help you save your time and succeed.

Online how-to guides, tools and resources

Writing at university:

• Study Smart Reading and Writing Guide (PDF). This guide explains the different writing styles and formats like Essays, Reports, Case Studies, Reflective Writing, Literature Reviews and Annotated Bibliographies.
• Essay Drafting Tool. This tool helps you write your essay by providing a structured template for each section, from thesis to conclusion.
• Paraphrasing tool. Teaches you how to effectively rephrase text in your own words with easy-to-understand steps.
• Academic Skills Pocket book. This is your go-to guide for general study skills, academic writing, assignments and more.
• Assignment Planner. Stay organised, with this tool. It offers step-by-step guidance and timeline with suggested tasks to keep you on track.

Referencing at university:

• Referencing & Citation guides Understand the different referencing styles required at Western through the Library’s comprehensive referencing guides including APA 7, Harvard WesternSydneyU, MLA 8, Vancouver and more.
• Referencing FAQ
• FAQ: How to reference Generative Artificial Intelligence and Chat GPT
• Academic Skills Pocket book. The referencing chapter explains how to find, use and references sources in your assignments.
• Using Referencing Management software

Browse more Study Smart how-to guides on the Study Smart website.

Referencing tips

• Know your referencing style. Check your Subject Guide, lecturer, or tutor for the preferred citation style before starting your work.
• Reference as you go. Keep track of your sources (Author, Year, Title, URL) as you use them to ensure accurate referencing later.

Build writing and referencing skills for success

Attend a Study Smart event to refresh on essential academic skills to save time and stress on future assignments.

Get advice from the experts

• Free Study Smart appointments
• Live chat with the Online Librarian
• Referencing tips from Librarians
• Library FAQs

Why book a Study Smart appointment?

• Free one-to-one study support
• Experts in referencing, citation and finding the best information for your academic writing.
• Help you understand your assignment question
• Get referencing advice on how to structure your reference citations
• Guide you with resources and tools that help your referencing, academic writing and study skills.
• Assistance with Endnote

Book a Study SMART appointment on campus

Book a Study SMART appointment online

About Study Smart

Study Smart is a free service that offers workshops, events, how-to guides and one-to-one study appointments to help Western students develop skills to distinguish yourself at university and beyond.

Study Smart can support you to build skills in: Reading & Writing / Speaking, Collaborating & Presenting / Information Skills / Digital Skills / Study Tips & Exam Success / Study with Integrity / Research Skills / Mathematics & Statistics.