Why
can’t I just use websites?
What are databases?
How do I find a
specific periodical title?
How will I know which
database to use?
How do I search the
databases?
What is the difference
between scholarly/peer reviewed,
trade and popular journals/magazines?
How do I get the full
text of the article?
How can I get more help?
•
Many websites contain useful information and some instructors may allow
you to use them. But, because most are not monitored by editors or
subject to peer review, many contain inaccurate or plagiarized
information.
• To access full text articles from the websites of periodicals such as
the New York Times or a journal, you will usually will have to pay for
them. Articles accessed from the library databases or interlibrary loan
are free. Print articles can be read in the library for free or copied
for a small fee.
•
Electronic access to journal articles is done through databases. While
we use the internet to access them, these are not like regular
websites. To use them from off campus, you must first have a hawkmail
account and configure your computer. Help with access resources from
off campus.
• Databases contain searchable collections of journal, magazine, and
newspaper citations, abstracts and articles that have been digitized or
reconfigured for the internet.
• In some cases full text of the article is available. In others, you
will have to use the citation or abstract to locate the article in the
rest of the library’s electronic or print collections. See help finding
full text.
• These electronic collections change on a regular basis. Interfaces
are improved and changes in publisher agreements will affect which
journals are included and which journals are full text.
• Databases can be found on the Research Databases page.
How do I find a specific periodical title?
• Ask a librarian for assistance in locating specific periodicals such as Newsweek, New York Times, or scholarly/peer reviewed journals. For a better understanding of scholarly, trade, and popular periodicals click here.
How will I know which database to use?
• Each database company has a different interface and provides access to different journals. Some have legal information, some current news, and some are general collections that try to cover many subjects. Ask a librarian, or see the Research Databases page list of Databases by Subject to select the appropriate database.
How do I search the databases?
•
You can search databases through basic or advanced interfaces. Advanced
or guided searches allow you to be much more specific in your search.
You can search by title, author, subject, date, journal name, etc.
Basic searches are usually keyword searches.
• Many databases use Boolean searching, connecting search terms using
the words “and”, “or” and “not”. Only a few will support natural
language queries where you type your question in as though you were
asking a person. Most databases have useful help screens to assist you
with their particular interface. Ask a librarian to help you formulate
your search until you have become familiar with using the databases.
What is the difference between scholarly/peer reviewed, trade and popular journals/magazines?
•
Popular magazines are produced by companies that hire reporters to
write articles (“People”, “Time”, “Rolling Stone”). They often have
mass appeal, and slick, glossy pages.
• Trade magazines are produced by professional associations or
industry-specific publishers and usually contain material written by
members of the association or professionals in that field. They often
report on research, but seldom publish actual research. Nearly every
profession has trade journals, from nursing to construction.
• Scholarly/peer reviewed journals contain article written by scholars
(like your professors) in their field. They have a board of peer review
that examines the article, and makes sure that the research and
citations are valid (much like your professors do to yours). Many of
these journals accept a relatively small percentage of submissions.
Most have little if any advertising, and articles are usually preceded
by abstracts.
• Many databases will allow you to limit your search to scholarly
articles. If you are unsure if your article is scholarly, ask your
professor or a librarian.
• For more information, see a comparison of scholarly/trade/popular
journals.
How do I get the full text of the article?
• Stop in to the
library. If you have never searched databases for articles before, it
can be a bit confusing. A librarian can help you select a database,
come up with a search strategy and help you navigate the different
database interfaces. After a brief instruction, you’ll be better
equipped to locate journal articles on your own either on or off
campus. Reference hours.
• Call the reference desk at (732) 571-3438.
• E-mail a question to a librarian at Ask a Librarian. Questions
will be answered within 48 hours during the regular semester.