You can search for articles on a topic using one of our research databases. You will need an active library card in order to access our databases remotely. Otherwise, you can access the databases from our Library locations using the Library's public computers or Wi-Fi. Here are the steps you will need to follow:
- Go to the Research and Learning: Digital Resource Subjects page.
- Choose and click on a Subject that matches your topic.
- You will then see a list of databases with descriptions of their content under the subject you chose. Click on a database that seems to fit your needs.
- Click on Access Now and log in with your library card number and password/PIN, if prompted.
- At this point, databases will look different but most function similarly. If you see only a single search box, you may want to click on Advanced Search:
Full text – see only content that you can read in full text
Scholarly/peer-reviewed – limit to peer-reviewed articles
Date – newer content is usually best unless you need historical information
Format – useful if you want a certain format; available to see more filters. The search filters may include the below.
- Enter search terms that capture the main concepts of your topic. If you have more than one box, enter your search terms in separate boxes with AND in the drop-down menu, if needed.
- Click Search. Results will appear. Click the titles to learn more about the articles. Click PDF Full Text or HTML Full Text to read the full articles. You can also download, print, or email articles.
Still not sure where to start?
- K-12 students, look under Homework Help
Search Tips:
- No results? Try different or broader search terms. For example, Mortal Kombat may be too specific. Using the broader term video games may be better.
- Too many results? Use narrower search terms or add a new concept to your search. For example, video games AND effects is too broad and will give you too many results. Think about what kind of effects you are interested in: Aggression? Violence? Empathy? Memory? On children with autism?
- Decent results, but want more? Look at your results for inspiration to change your search terms, especially any you see that are noted as Subjects or Subject terms. For example, articles about video games and empathy may inspire you to search for video games AND social development or video games AND emotional development.
- Irrelevant results? Use quotation marks around your search phrases for more precise results. For example, video games will search for articles that have the word video or the word games, even when the two words appear separately. However, searching for "video games" will find articles with the phrase video games.
Ask a Librarian if you need help. If you need in-depth assistance, Book a Librarian for a free 30-minute session. We are available in person, by phone, email, chat, or virtual visit.