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The first step to finding articles on a topic is to use a database or printed index to identify specific articles. You may want to consult the Libraries' Article Indexes & Databases list or ask a librarian for help choosing an appropriate database or index.
As you identify articles that you want, you will need to identify the following information in order to locate the article:
The following record from FirstSearch shows how this information is displayed in one of its databases:
PERABS NO: 03779392 AUTHOR: Branscum, Deborah TITLE: The big spam debate SOURCE: Newsweek AVAILABILITY: UMI can supply photocopy.Cat No.: 2234.00 VOL/ISSUE NO: v131n25 PAGE(S): 84-86 DATE: Jun 22, 1998 SOURCE CODE: GNEW ISSN: 0028-9604 ABSTRACT: Depsite the fact that so many people on the Internet hate "spam," unsolicited e-mail, many are unwilling to have the government regulate against it. Government intervention could kill a relatively new medium. ARTICLE TYPE: Feature SPECIAL FEAT: Photograph DESCRIPTORS: Direct mail advertising; Electronic mail systems; Internet; Regulation
The "source" field of the FirstSearch record contains the name of the periodical (journal, magazine or newspaper) where the article can be found. To find out whether the University Libraries have the periodical, you must search the library catalog using the periodical title in a Journal Title search.
To access the Journal Title search, use the Quick Search, enter the name of the periodical in the search box, select "Journal Title" from the drop down menu, click GO.
Or choose the Basic Search in the WestCat Menu. Type in the name of the periodical in the search box and "Journal Title" in the Search By box. Press Enter or click Search to activate the search.
From the list of titles, select the first one that matches the periodical title that you are searching for; for the most complete match, check the "Complete Title" column. If you are unsure or having problems identifying the exact periodical record, consult a Reference Librarian.
Image of catalog record showing title and publication date
To determine if the Libraries have the issue that you need, scroll down to the Call Number and Location information in the record (found beneath the horizontal bar) and check the "Library has" statement (which indicates the years of coverage) to see that the specific volume (issue, date) you need is included.
Image of catalog record showing issue and call number
Current Issues will list the most recent issues (unbound) that the library has received. In Waldo Library, these issues can be found by call number in the Current Periodicals Area on the Lower Level. Older issues are bound and located by call number in the General Stacks throughout the Library.
If WestCat indicates that the Libraries do not have the periodical issue that you need, inquire about Interlibrary Loan at one of the Reference Desks. Interlibrary Loan takes approximately two weeks and may involve a fee.
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