Quick Facts
- UAA provides access to thousands of journal articles through subscription databases
- Many have been peer reviewed
- Articles that are not available in one database may be found in another - use "Journals A-Z".
- Articles that are not available electronically can be obtained through interlibrary loan
The databases linked to through the subject headings in the "Find articles by subject" section of the library's home page are your best resources for locating articles for your papers. Databases cover different topics, so use the subject headings to select databases that are appropriate for researching your topic.
You may need to search more than one database to find enough information on a topic because no database contains every article on a topic. Sometimes you will find an article that is not available in one database that may be available in another. Most databases provide the option to "Check Library for Full Text". Clicking on that link will give you other options for obtaining that article, including viewing it in other databases, locating a local print copy, and obtaining a copy through interlibrary loan.
Some databases provide a link to purchase articles that are not available to be read from within that database. Before using that option, check in Journals A-Z to make sure that it isn't available in another database or make an interlibray loan request.
Many instructors require sources to be "peer reviewed". This means that an editorial board has certified that the article is worthy of publication in an academic quality journal. Most databases provide a way to limit searches to journals that have been peer reviewed. Some databases make this feature more apparent than others. If you cannot find the way to search for peer reviewed journals in a particular database, look at its help file or ask one of the library's staff members to help you.
Individual databases provide instructions on how to use them. Topical help is usually available by clicking on a "?" near the relevant feature. The overall help file is usually located near the top or left side and is a link that says "help".