Article databases list and classify articles from scholarly publications, primarily peer-reviewed journals. Different databases cover different ranges of publications, depending on their subject matter and the scope of the database. Databases link through to the Library's e-journals collections for full article access wherever possible.
Before you start searching the databases, it helps to take time to plan your search.
Step 1: Clearly define the topic or research question
Step 2: Divide the topic or question into separate key concepts
Step 3: Select alternative search terms and synonyms for each concept
Step 4: Consider using text word symbols such as truncation and "phrase searching"
Step 5: Select search terms to combine using Boolean logic - AND, OR, NOT
Step 6: Select relevant databases via the Library homepage or your Subject Guide
Step 7: When searching a database look for subject heading options
Step 8: Run text word searches to complement subject heading searches
Step 9: Review the results and modify your search strategy as required
These tutorials are designed to provide a basic introduction to searching the databases.
Evaluating and thinking critically about sources of information are important skills to develop and apply while undertaking research.
Not all information is reliable and appropriate for academic work, and not all information is relevant to your particular topic.
You should challenge and reflect on information that you find; don’t just accept everything you read.
Work through this tutorial to develop your skills in evaluating information that you find online:
Or apply these terms to assess if the information you have found answers your research question.
Currency
Reliability
Authority
Purpose/Point of view
Work through this tutorial to develop your skills in evaluating information that you find online:
SIFT - Evaluating Information Tutorial
Even though the library databases are good sources of information, we still need to evaluate that information before we decide to use it. You can do this by asking the following questions:
For more information and resources, check out the ‘Evaluating information: additional resources’ box at the bottom of this page.
Try these options: