HOW DO I ... FIND JOURNAL ARTICLES ON MY TOPIC?

1.  What is the the best database for my topic?
   • Academic Search Premier is a comprehensive index to scholarly journals and general periodicals in all subject and interdisciplinary areas and can be a good starting point.
   • Check out the Library's Subject Guides to see what other databases are recommended for your subject area.
   • Ask the librarian on duty for help on which database to use.
     • In person Monday-Thursday 8-5, 6:30-9, Friday 8-5.
     • ASK A LIBRARIAN Form  (Responses usually within 24 hours except for weekends)

    

2. How do I start my search?
   • Think about your terms before typing--start broad first, then narrow the search.  i.e. . Broad=dogs; narrow=beagles
   • Too many hits--try limiting the search by adding other terms to narrow the search.  i.e. beagles and training
   • No hits--think of synonyms, check your spelling, check a thesaurus.
   • Need help?  Ask a librarian.
     • In person Monday-Thursday 8-5, 6:30-9, Friday 8-5.
     • ASK A LIBRARIAN Form   (Responses usually within 24 hours except for weekends)

      

3. How do I get the full text of the article?
   • Look to see if there is a "full text" button on the results page.  If yes, click on it.
   • If there is no "full text" button, click on the "SFX" or "Check here for full text" link to see if the article is available full text in another database.
   • If the article is not available full text or in our print collection, you may request the article via Interlibrary Loan using the forms available on the library web site.
   • Need help?  Ask a librarian.
     • In person Monday-Thursday 8-5, 6:30-9, Friday 8-5.
     • ASK A LIBRARIAN Form   (Responses usually within 24 hours except for weekends)

      

4. My professor says we can only use scholarly journals--what are they?
   • Scholarly/peer reviewed journals contain articles written by scholars in their field.  These articles are reviewed by a panel of peers before they are accepted for publication. Most have little if any advertising and articles are usually preceded by abstracts.  Many databases allow you to limit your search to scholarly or peer reviewed journals.
   • Check out the chart prepared  by Librarian Jill Lichtsinn which compares scholarly/trade/popular journals.