How do I . . . find articles?

The library subscribes to many indexes & databases that will aid you in finding articles.

The best way to begin is to select an appropriate subject from the Resources by Subject list.

Read the brief descriptions to help select an article database.

Once you have selected an article database, you will be able to search using keywords from your topic. For example,

     Topic: The impact of terrorism on youth.
     Keywords: terrorism, terrorists, impact, effect, youth, adolescents

There will be some links to full text articles. If not, use the Full-text Journal Finder to locate the full text in a different article database. If the full text is not available, look up the journal title in the Library Catalog. This catalog identifies all periodicals and journals that the library receives in both print and electronic form. Links are available for the electronic journals.

What is a citation?

A citation is a short record containing the information needed to locate a copy of either a journal article or a book.

     Lampman, Jane. "The struggle for the soul of Muslim youth." Christian Science Monitor 9 Sept. 2001.

A few of the indexes will include the complete article. If not, you will use the information found in the citation to find the complete article.

WARNING - Don't skip citations just because full text is easier. You may hurt your research by limiting the quality of useful information.

How to find the full article from a citation:

Begin with using the Full-Text Journal Finder. Simply enter the title of the journal in the "Find" field and submit your search. If full-text for your journal appears in any of the databases to which the library subscribes, there will be links to those databases underneath your journal title. (If there is no full-text, a "No Title" message will appear.) Beside each database title will be a date range; click on the database name next to the correct date range. A new window will open displaying the chosen database. You may then search for your article title using the information found in the citation, or choose a year in which to browse and find your article. For example, use keywords from the article title, and/or the author's last name.

You may also limit the search by entering the journal title and by entering the date of the article in the appropriate fields.

If there is no match, the second step is to search the library catalog for a print copy. Simply select Books & More from the home page, enter the journal title name & select "title" for "search type" and enter. Look for the journal title in the result list. Select the journal title and click on each "details" option for holdings information. You will need the date and volume number of the journal from the citation. At this point, you will be directed to a specific location (periodical stacks, microfilm, or Special Collection for example) in order to obtain a copy. Photocopiers are located on the lower level, first and second floor. Microform readers are behind the Circulation Desk.

What if the journal I need isn't available in the catalog?

You may request the article(s) through Interlibrary Loan.