Learn How to Find ...

Choose a Database by Subject

1. Go to the Library Web Site.
2. Click on E-Resource Gateway (find articles, databases).
3. Click on the By Subject Tab inside the gateway.
4. Click on a subject category from the left hand By Subject menu.
• Sub-categories for that subject will load in the right hand menu box.
5. Click on a desired sub-category.
   • The number of databases for each sub-category are listed next to the category.
   • Introductory Resources is a list of basic databases for getting started in a subject area.
   • You may select All to see a list of all databases in that subject category.
6. Click on Search.
   • A list of databases in your selected category will display. Click on for more information about the individual database.

Choose a Database by Name

1. Go to the Library Web Site.
2. Click on E-Resource Gateway (find articles, find databases).
3. Type the name of the database in the By Name: search box.
   • Use the asterisk for variant endings of name. Example: Use psyc* for PsycArticles, PsycINFO (Psychological Abstracts), etc.
   • Select the radio button Contains if you are not sure of the exact name of the database. Use the button Starts with if you know the first word of a database name.
4. Click on Search.
   Optional: Click on the alphabet bar to browse for your database name.
• A list of databases matching your search will display. Click on for more information about the individual database.
5. Click on the title of a specific database to begin searching.

Top Ten Databases

Go directly to one of top ten databases using Research Shortcuts on the Library Web site.

1. Go to the Library Web Site.
2. Go to Top Ten Databases under Search Shortcuts on the left side of the screen.
3. Click on the desired database name from the drop down menu.
4. Click on Go.

Search for a Good Article

1. Enter your key concepts in the search box within the database.
   • Combine different key concepts with the word AND
     Example: television and violence
   • Combine similar key concepts with the word OR
     Example: violence or aggression
   • Optional: Use Advanced search for more options if available.
2. Review your search results to identify useful articles.
   • Choose the most relevant citations for your topic.
   • Check your criteria. Do you need a scholarly or popular article for your assignment or paper?
3. Optional: Revise your search strategy if needed.
   • Add or eliminate terms if needed.
   • Limit by language, date or type of article (scholarly article, review article, etc.)

Related Tutorials

 Is my article scholarly?

 Popular vs. Scholarly

 Too Many Results?

 Too Few Results?

Get the Article