How to Use a Database to Find Articles

Note: If you already have an article citation and you need to find a copy of your article, please see the How do I find Journals by Title? guide.

1. The best way to find articles from journals, magazines, and newspapers is to use one of the Library's online databases. From the Library homepage, click on the Articles & Databases link:

2. From this page, you can choose your database. Browse the list alphabetically, or choose from the "subject" or "type" links at the top of the page. For this guide, we will choose the Most Comprehensive category:

3. The Most Comprehensive databases cover a wide range of subjects. Proquest is one of the most popular of the Library's online databases. If you need articles that are more subject-specific, remember to choose from the subject categories at the top of the database page.

     

4. Most databases are set up in the same way. Focus on using the "Advanced Search" features, such as the additional search boxes for searching more than one term, drop-down menus for choosing a search field, and limits for full text articles, scholarly journals, article type, etc. Once you have typed in your search terms and customized your search options, click "Search":

     

5. Many of the articles you find will be accessible through the databases in their full-text format (see below). Simply click on the full-text link to access the article. If the articles on your hit list do not meet your needs, return to the Advanced Search screen and revise your search:

     

6. Some articles will not have a full-text link included with the article citation. To view a summary of the article, click "Abstract", or, to see if the Library carries this article in another database or in the print/microfilm formats, click the "360 Link to Full Text " button. In some databases, this will be a link instead of a button:

     

7. If the Library does not subscribe to an article you need, be sure to request it through the Interlibrary Loan service. You can access Interlibrary Loan by going to the Library's homepage and clicking on ILL link. There is no charge for ordering books and articles through ILL. Simply fill out and submit the online form. You will be contacted when your book or article arrives at the Library.

As always, please see, call (904-819-6331), or email (library@flagler.edu) a Reference Librarian if you need assistance. We are here to help you!