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how to find articles
When you have a citation | When you are researching a topic
When you have a citation
Citations usually include the title of the article, its author, journal title, date, and page numbers.
To find the journal that you need, go to the Library Catalog. Select the JOURNAL tab.
- To look for an electronic version of the journal, click the "e-Journal" radio button and type in as much of the journal title as you want. (Please note: this search option is for JOURNAL titles, not articles titles)! Click "Search." The result will indicate which database/index to search for full text copies or will provide a direct link. Check the dates carefully to make sure the issue you need is available electronically.
- If an electronic version of the journal title or the desired issues it is not available electronically, you must then search the Library Catalog for a print issue. Click the "Back" button from the e-Journals search results or go straight to the JOURNAL tab of the Library Catalog. Click the "Library Catalog " radio button and type in as much of the journal title as you want. (Please note: this search option is for JOURNAL titles, not articles titles)! Click "Search." On the library record screen for the journal title note the location and call number of the journal. Please note that current issues are often found in a different location than bound journals.
- To look for an electronic version of an article for which you have a citation, you can use the "Search for a Known Article" form. You need to provide as much information as possible. Go to UC Article Linker Help/FAQ for more information.
When you are researching a topic
- Choose either a general index or database like Academic Search Complete , Expanded Academic ASAP or Research Library, or one that focuses on your topic. Select databases and indexes from the A-Z list or from subject guides.
Suggested databases for general research topics. - Search the index. Use keyword (often the default setting) or subject searching with your topic terms to find articles. The index will locate citations related to your topic. An abstract or summary is often provided and sometimes the full text of the article is available. Tips for online searching.
- Access your search results. Your results screen will display a list of brief citations sorted by date or relevancy. You can often tell from the title if the article will be useful for your research, but you may have to look at the abstract (summary) or at the article itself. In most indexes, selecting the title will reveal a complete citation and a summary. By following a full text link (Text, HTML Text, PDF, etc) you should be able to view, print, email or save the entire article.
If you can't find the full text of an article in one database/index, try another one or look for a print version in the library catalog.
The page was last updated on September 21, 2011