Friedsam Memorial Library: How to Find Articles

FRIEDSAM MEMORIAL LIBRARY

How to Find Articles

STEP 1: Search the appropriate periodical index

A periodical (generally a magazine or journal) index is a list of articles that can be searched by subject, title, or author. These indexes can be found in print or electronic format. Some journal indexes cover a broad range of subjects. Other indexes cover specific subject areas. A variety of journal databases, including EbscoHost, which includes the full text of some articles, can be found at Friedsam Library. Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe also provides full text of some sources.

EbscoHost can be searched from any computer that connects to the World Wide Web. You will need the user id and password. Students, staff, and faculty at St. Bonaventure can obtain the id and password from a reference librarian at Friedsam Memorial Library. If you have the id and password click here for EbscoHost.

Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe can be searched from computers directly connected to the SBU campus server. No passwords are needed, but you must be using a computer on campus or logged in through the campus network dial-in to access the service. You will find the full text of many newspaper articles using Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe.

There are many additional indexes or databases that may be appropriate for your subject. Ask the reference librarian to suggest other indexes or databases.

If you are unsure which index or database would be best for your subject ask a reference librarian for assistance.

STEP 2: Obtain a complete citation

To find the article in the library, you must have the complete citation from the journal index. A complete citation includes the title of the journal, date of publication, volume and issue numbers, page numbers, author and title of the article. You will also need the complete citation in order to list the article in your bibliography.

STEP 3: Locate the full text of the article

Most periodical indexes do not indicate whether the library owns the journal. When you have the complete citation of a journal article from an index, check FRIAR (the library's online catalog) for journal holdings, consult the printed list of current periodicals, or ask a librarian for assistance.

FULL-TEXT JOURNAL DATABASES: Some electronic journal indexes also provide the full text of some or all of the articles in the database. Our only full-text databases are EbscoHost (contact a reference librarian if you do not have the user id and password and are an affiliate of St. Bonaventure University) and Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe. Using these databases will save you time and effort, since you will not have to do step 4.

If the journal is not owned by the library, or not available on EbscoHost, you may obtain the article using the Friedsam Memorial Library's interlibrary loan service (ILL). Forms are available at the library or you may e-mail the interlibrary loan librarian.

STEP 4: Finding the journal in the library

To check out the journal issue or volume needed, record the journal title, volume number, issue number, and date on a Periodical Request Form. Pads of the forms can be found in the reference area near the indexes or at the Periodical Department windows. Take the form to the Periodical Department windows for one of the student employees to obtain for you. You will need an id card to check out the magazine or journal.

Some periodicals, especially newspapers, are found in microform (microfiche or microfilm). Periodicals do not circulate, so you will need to read the article in the library or make a photocopy.

For further research on the Internet, you may wish to select a Search Engine.

Return to Pathfinders and Internet Resources page.

For assistance contact the Friedsam Memorial Library Information Desk at:

Reference, Friedsam Memorial Library
St. Bonaventure University
St. Bonaventure, NY 14778
Telephone: 716.375.2164 Fax: 716.375.2389
E-mail: ref@sbu.edu

URL: http://web.sbu.edu/friedsam/taran/Subject_Guides/howto.htm

Disclaimer:
Friedsam Memorial Library and St. Bonaventure University do not monitor or have any control over the information accessed on the Internet or the World Wide Web from links provided through this Web site. The library cannot be held responsible for content on these external web sites. The presence or absence of a particular resource should not be interpreted to designate endorsement or lack of endorsement of a site or page by Friedsam Memorial Library. It is the responsibility of each individual user to evaluate the quality of every information resource that is consulted.