Find Journal Articles

Step 1: Identify Research Databases
Step 2: Search Research Databases
Step 3: Locate Journal Articles
Step 4: Find Journals Not Available at UW Library

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Step 1: Identify Research Databases

The Library subscribes to a number of research databases that can help make your search for journal articles more efficient. Instead of searching for articles one journal issue after another, research databases provide you with the option of simultaneously searching a variety of journal publications.

Visit the Research Databases (Journal Articles) page for a complete list of research databases available by subject and/or alphabetical menu.

Step 2: Search Research Databases

Once that you have identified the research database that best suits your research needs, you may search for articles using a variety of techniques. Most databases provide basic and advanced search options. Search types include, but are not limited to:

author
title
keyword
subject

Many databases allow you to limit your searches by date, language, document type, peer-reviewed articles only, and/or full-text documents only.

In many cases, the research databases will provide you with access to journal article citations and abstracts (citations). A number of databases also provide online access to the complete article (also called full-text).

Step 3: Locate Journal Articles

Journal articles come in various formats: electronically, in print, or on microfiche.

To obtain a journal article, it is important to have the following information:

the name of the journal the article is published in
the title of the journal article
the author’s full name
the volume and issue number
the page number

The button that is available in most of the research databases allows you to check if the Library has the article you wish to obtain. In many cases, this button provides a direct link to the full-text of the article you need.

In other cases you will be linked to a record in Primo (library catalogue) for the journal that your article is published in. You will either have the option to access the journal online and/or get the call number for its print subscription.

If the Library does not subscribe to the journal with the article you require, you will receive the following message: "No match found for your search."

You can also locate journal articles from databases that do not offer the button by conducting a journal title search using Primo.

Step 4: Find Journals Not Available at UW Library

If the UW Library does not have the journal that you require an article from, but it is available from the University of Guelph and/or Wilfrid Laurier libraries, you can request a copy of the article using Primo. Journal articles ordered via Primo are delivered in approximately 3 business days.

Ordering Instructions

In Primo, display the record of the journal that contains the article.
Click on the holdings link for the item you require. Holdings links are under the "Availability and Locations" section of the record.
Once the holdings screen opens, click on the link at the top centre of the page.
Enter your barcode number from your WatCard/Library Card and your last name on the TUGDoc authenication page. Click "I agree - continue" once you have read and consented to the copyright agreement.
Select the print holdings you are interested in from the scroll down menu.
Follow the instructions on the screen that appears. Only the "Special instructions " field is optional. All other fields must be completed.
Once you have completed the form, click "send your TUGDoc request."
If you wish to cancel an article request, you may do so by logging in to RACER and viewing your requests.
After you are finished making requests for items be sure end your session, especially if you are using a public workstation.

NOTE: To request a journal article for a journal not available Primo, place an interlibrary loan using RACER (available under "Services"). For further information, please visit the RACER Helps and Hints page.

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For assistance using any of the research databases and/or other library resources, please contact your Liaison (Subject) Librarian or any of the Ask a Librarian services.