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How to Find Periodical Articles

Finding periodical articles takes several steps.   Ask A Librarian to get help at any point!
  1. Pick a database.
    • If you know the database you want to use, go to the library home page.
    • Under the Find menu, choose Databases and goto the database from the A - Z List.
    • If you don't know what database, choose an appropriate subject in Databases by Subject
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  2. Brainstorm key concepts.
    • Think of the main words, phrases, or names associated with your topic. List synonyms and broader/narrower terms that might get more results.
       

  3. Enter your search terms.
     
  4. Evaluate your results list to determine which articles will fulfill the need you have.
     

  5. As you look at the citations, continue to jot down other search terms, subject headings, and important names.
     

  6. Save, e-mail, or print out any full-text articles you locate that you wish to use.
     

  7. Save, e-mail, or print citations for articles that are not readily available as full-text.
     

  8. Use SFX to find ways to get the articles you need.
    • Usually, there's an to click. If not, put the article information in this SFX form and click on the Search button.

    • If the article is available full-text in another database, you will get a link to it.

    • If it is not, there will be a link to search the library catalog, to determine if we subscribe to the periodical.
      • (During fall 2006 we're adding basic information about periodicals to the SFX screen, so it may tell you which years we have, but not where, or may not show any years until we're done with this project.)
      • If we do, you will need to look at the bottom of the record for a link to information about what years we have, and where they are located.

      • If it says Bound Periodicals - they will be in alphabetic order, toward the back of the library on the main floor (if the periodical begins with A-E) or the second floor (if the periodical begins with F-Z). (Unless they're in the Science or Music libraries.)

      • If it says Microfilm or Microfiche, they are located on the main floor of the library. If you need help viewing, printing, or saving documents from microfilm or microfiche, ask at the Circulation desk for help.

      • If it's a recent article, it may still be listed as being in the Current Periodicals area - these are located to your left just as you enter any library (Roy O. West, Music, or Prevo Science).

    • If the DePauw Libraries do not have the periodical, and it's not available as full-text, then you can click on the link to request the article through Interlibrary Loan (also referred to as ILL or ILLiad). If you have not created an ILL account, you will have to do so before you can use this feature. Go directly to the ILLiad site and follow the link for "first-time user registration."