How do I find an article on my subject?
Answer
There are multiple ways to find articles on your subject.
Article Databases: The Library subscribes to a number of article databases, each containing access to a wide variety of articles. First select a library database from the Library Homepage. You may need to enter your Ocean Connect Username and Password if you are connecting from Off-Campus.
The first step in finding an article is selecting an appropriate database. Each database is unique and provides variable content. Some provide access to newspaper articles, others to peer-reviewed research, and others provide a combination. Some focus on a single subject, like psychology, while others provide broad coverage of a variety of subjects. If you’re not sure which database to choose, ask a librarian for some assistance. We’re happy to help!
Once you have chosen a database, you’ll need to enter some search terms. You may need to enter more than one search term or try a variety of synonyms for your topic. Some databases may even offer access to a controlled list of preferred subject terms. These can help you target searches towards specific aspects of your topic.
After entering your search terms, you will be presented with a list of potential articles. Depending on which database you choose, you will have a variety of options for further narrowing your search using “limiters” or database-specific refining tools. If you are not sure how to use them, please ask a librarian for assistance.
Each article record should provide basic information about that article, including article title, author, and publication information. Many article records will also provide a short summary, or abstract.
Not every database provides full access to every article. In some cases, only a citation will be available. Always check to see if an article records lists “PDF” or “HTML” access to an article. If you are not certain if a database provides full access to a particular article, or if you are unsure how to access the file, please ask a librarian for assistance. And remember, if we do not have full access to an article you need, we may be able to request it through Interlibrary Loan.