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Old Dominion University Libraries

STARquest I: Library Services & Resources

Sections

  1. Getting Started
  2. Research Sources
  3. Call Numbers
  4. Library Catalog
  5. Books
  6. Periodicals
  7. Databases/Indexes
  8. Locations at ODU
  9. How to Cite
  10. Ethics
  11. Further Help

STARquest II

6e. Finding articles
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So how can I find articles on a particular topic?

Electronic or online indexes that help you find articles are referred to as periodical databases or library research databases.

Some of these databases include article abstracts (summaries); others just provide the information you need in order to find the article (citations). Many give you the whole article (full text).

If a database does not go back in time as far as you were hoping, you might need to use printed (hard copy) indexes instead. Some printed indexes include article abstracts (summaries); others just provide the information you need in order to find the article (citation). Once you have the citations (references) you can check to see whether the library owns the periodicals by looking in the Library Catalog. Ask a reference librarian for assistance if you wish.