How to find articles

How do I find out what articles have been published on my topic?

Periodical indexes are reference tools that help you to identify newspaper and journal articles on a given subject. The Library subscribes to some periodical indexes in both paper and electronic formats. Paper indexes can be found in the Library's Reference Collection. Electronic indexes, or online databases, are available on the Library web site.

Ask at the reference desk for assistance choosing the right index for your topic, or browse the available online databases on the Database web page. Online databases usually provide a complete citation and may also include an abstract, the full text, or even a scanned image of the article as it appeared in the journal or newspaper. Check the complete description of each database for more information.

I have a list of articles that I need. What should I do now?

To find out which periodicals (e.g., journals, magazines, newspapers, etc.) are included in the Library's collection, search the Library Catalog.

Choose a "Journal Title Search" and type the title of the periodical (not the title of the article).

The catalog will indicate whether or not the Library subscribes to the periodical, which dates are included in the subscription, and the location of the issue you need.

Where do you keep your newspapers and journals?

Most Periodicals are kept in the periodicals room of the Donald B. Watt Library. Microfiche/form is in the cabinets in the periodicals room of the library.

Check the Library Catalog for specific information on the availability of certain issues. In some cases, individual volumes of a journal or newspaper may be placed in a temporary location, such as Reserve or Bindery. The Library Catalog will give temporary location information for each volume.

Current newspapers are kept on the newspaper stand near the circulation desk. Back issues can be found in the back of the library near the periodicals room.

Can I check periodicals out of the Library?

No, periodicals do not circulate. You may photocopy the articles you need. There is a copy machine on the first floor of the library. Copy cards may be purchased from the business office or the bookstore or you may use cash.

What if the Library doesn't have the journal I need?

If the Donald B. Watt Library does not subscribe to the journal you need, you may place an Interlibrary Loan Request for the article. You will need to fill out an interlibrary loan request from which can be obtained at the circulation desk. Please see our interlibrary loan policy for more details.

How can I find out if the article I need is online?

The Library Catalog contains information on subscription e-journal holdings (volumes and dates available online). The Full Text Databases web page can help you identify and link to full text journals to which Donald B. Watt Library subscribes and links you to online databases that include articles in a particular periodical (for a given period of time).