Frequently Asked Questions

   How can I get to the databases where I can search for online journal articles and eBooks? 

   First, login to Blackboard, then click on the tab at the top of the Blackboard window that says Library. This will take you to the Electronic Resources Gateway which is your access point to over 50 online databases. 

   I found an article in one of the databases that I want to open in full text. Why can I only see an abstact of the article?

  Only a few of the online databases contain 100% full text articles. Most of them contain a mix of full text articles and abstracts. Databases generally provide a method of limiting results only to full text articles but you risk losing some very useful information when you choose to do this.

   How can I go about locating the full text version of an article for which I have found an abstact in a database?

   You can request copies of articles that are not available in the online databases but that are available in the LRC's print collection using the Document Deliver Request form under the "Request an Item" menu button. Articles that are not available in the online databases and are not available in the Library's print collection may be requested using the InterLibrary Loan Request form under the same button. Follow the instructions.

     My professor says I need to use only "scholarly" journal articles when researching my paper. What does she mean by this?

   Scholarly articles come from research journals and other publications that are academic in nature, sometimes also called "peer reviewed" or "refereed" journals. Most online journal article databases include a method of limiting your search results only to scholarly or peer reviewed articles. Sources such as Time magazine, Newsweek, U.S. News & World Report and Prevention magazine are not considered to be scholarly publications. Please see the "Popular vs. Scholarly" link for more information about this topic.

   What if I know about a great article for my research project but I can't find it in full text through any of the online databases?

   First, check to see if the article is available in print from the LRC's periodical collection using the link at the Electronic Resources Gateway (directly under the databases table). If you do not see the title of the journal you are looking for, contact one of the librarians for help.

   My professor says I'm not allowed to cite "encyclopedias" for my research paper. The LRC has a reference book called "The Encyclopedia of Bioethics" that is perfect for my paper. Am I allowed to cite this book?

  By "encyclopedias," your professor means general encyclopedia sources like the World Book Encyclopedia, Encyclopedia Americana,  Encyclopaedia Britannica and Encarta. However, the LRC's reference collection includes many "subject encyclopedias" that can make excellent resources for your papers. Check with a librarian or your professor if you aren't sure about using a particular source for your paper. Subject encyclopedias are usually considered to be good sources.

 Why do I have to use the online form to request assistance from you? Why can't I just send you an email?

It helps us track user statistics but more importantly, the questions you answer when filling out the form give me the exact information I need to better assist you. The form will also help you to focus on selecting appropriate keywords for your topic.