Frequently Asked Questions
FINDING PERIODICALS (Journal and Magazine Articles)
and Working with Online Databases
Where are the periodicals located?
Most articles are now available online. A good starting point for your search is the A-Z Databases page. You can choose a database from that page and search using keywords, titles, authors and more.
Back issues for print periodicals are available at both campus libraries. Check with the librarian on duty for directions to their shelf locations.
What are "peer-reviewed" articles?
They are articles that have been read by other specialists in the same field. The term is used to indicate that before the articles were published in the journal, they were submitted to a panel of experts. In the eyes of the experts, the information meets the panel's standards of scholarship.
How can I find "peer-reviewed" articles?
The Library's OneSearch allows you to limit your search to "Peer Reviewed" only searching. However, if you are not sure if an article is from a peer-reviewed source you can ask the librarian on duty at the Reference desk.
How do I cite articles from online databases?
Each database has a tool to generate citations in the main styles, for example, MLA or APA format. You can also consult a librarian and the style guides in the library's reference section.
How do I log into my Library Account?
You can access your library account from the OneSearch page by selecting the Advanced Search option and logging in. You will see a drop-down arrow next to your name on the upper-right corner of the screen. There you can see your current check-outs, favorites, and more.
Having difficulty accessing a database?
There are several possible causes for this problem. The most probable cause is that your computer or web browser has a popup blocker/killer installed. This could be a setting in your web browser or a separate piece of software, designed to get rid of all the ads that pop up in new windows when you try to connect to a web site.
If you have a popup blocker/killer enabled, you will be unable to connect to any of the library databases. However, you can either temporarily disable the popup blocker/killer, or with many of them you can specify that you want popups allowed from the library web site only.
A couple other things you might try include:
Clear your browser cache (under options or preferences in your browser).
Check to see if the database loaded in a window hidden behind the login window.