Finding Articles in the UT Libraries:
Quick Answers to Common Questions

 

Where do I Start?
To find articles on specific topics, go to the Libraries' homepage and select Databases. You can also ask a Reference Librarian to suggest an appropriate database or print index. To browse recent issues of newspapers, magazines or journals, visit the Periodicals Room in Hodges Library or, if appropriate, find the current periodicals in one of the branch libraries.

What will I find when I search a database?
Most databases provide information about articles from periodicals (newspapers, magazines, or journals). Some databases also include other types of publications such as chapters in books, dissertations, or conference proceedings. Some databases provide abstracts, brief summaries of articles.

Where can I look for ideas for research papers or speech topics?
CQ Researcher covers current and controversial issues.

The databases in the Tennessee Electronic Library (TEL) offer the choice to narrow a larger topic by exploring various subtopics. Encyclopedia yearbooks cover events and current topics of that year. You can also get ideas from encyclopedias that focus on a specific subject. Reference librarians can help you locate appropriate titles. The Opposing Viewpoints series of books covers a wide range of topics. To see titles, search the UT Libraries Catalog for the Title Keywords Opposing Viewpoints.

Which databases should I search?
The InfoTrac OneFile and ProQuest generally serve as good starting points. They cover a broad range of topics, and include both scholarly and popular periodicals, provide the full text of some articles, and may be searched remotely. To find a good range of articles to choose from, search more than one database. For databases that focus on specific subjects, explore the database menu. For instance, in the Arts and Humanities category, you'll see the Literature and Language section, where you'll find these databases:

All of these databases serve as good places to search for literary items. You might also ask a Reference librarian to recommend good starting points. In selecting databases, consider how such factors as what subjects are covered in the database, which types of publications are included, and the range of years pertinent to the topic you are exploring.

What do I need to search the databases from home?
Currently, UT students, faculty and staff can search most of the databases away from campus using their Net ID and password. See the Off- campus Remote Access site.

How can I find journals that are available electronically?
For all questions about electronic journals, please see this FAQ.

Searching

What should I think about before I begin searching?
Write down your topic in the form of a question or statement. For example:
What role do the fairies play in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream? Then list the key ideas or concepts, words or phrases that you think will help you find information on the topic. For example:

Can I just type out my question or enter a sentence about my topic?
You can, but you may not find the information you hope to find. For more efficient ways to search, read further.

How should I enter my search?
To search efficiently, construct a search strategy. Begin with the most specific keywords that relate to your topic. For example:

Combine the keywords or phrases with the Boolean operator "and" to let the computer know that you want both words to appear in every record. For example: Shakespeare and midsummer and fairies To look for synonyms or similar terms, use the Boolean operator "or", enclose the synonyms in parentheses, and link with the other keywords using "and". Shakespeare and midsummer and (fairies or sprites or sprites) Check the help files in each database for quick examples of how to enter searches in that database. If you're not finding what you hope to find, try other keywords or other databases or consult with a Reference librarian.

How can I look for variant spellings or root words and their endings?
Use truncation or wildcards. For example, in a keyword search in Humanities Abstracts Shakespear? will find both Shakespear and Shakespeare; fair* will find fairy, fairies, and fairylore but will also find fair. Important: Different databases use different truncation symbols or wildcards. A quick check of the help files will show you what symbols work in what database.

How can I make my search more effective?
Look for Advanced search or similar options. Even a quick check of the Help files can give you ideas for refining your search. A Reference librarian can suggest places to search or can help refine your search strategy.

How can I get help if I'm having trouble searching a database from home?
If you have questions about searching the database, call the Reference desk at Hodges Library at 974-4171, or call the appropriate branch library. The libraries also offer e-mail and chat reference services. Follow this link to find out more.

What will I find when I search in a database?
Databases are composed of records or citations. Each record lists basic information about a particular article or other type of publication, such as a chapter in a book. The record may be divided into fields with codes designating specific types of information. In the Humanities Abstracts database, for example:

Interpreting the Results

What are abstracts and why would I want to read them?
Abstracts (often designated as AB) are brief summaries of articles. Reading the abstracts can often help you know if the article relates to the specific aspect of the topic you want to cover.

What information in the record will help me find out if UT owns the article?
To find articles in the Libraries, you'll need to identify the journal name (JN, or often listed as SO for source), the volume and issue number, and the page numbers on which the article appears. You'll then search the UT Libraries Catalog for the Periodical Title. For chapters in books, you'll search the catalog for the author or title of the book in which the article appears.

In databases that include the SFX feature, you will find a link to the full text of the article when available or to the UT Libraries Catalog.

How can I capture the results of my search?
Most databases allow printing, and often downloading or e-mailing, of the records you find. Check each database for the options provided there. In Hodges Library Reference room, look for the number of the printer attached to the computer you're using. You may want to bring a disk to download the results of your search.

Can I select some of the records for printing or downloading?
Reviewing the results of your search offers a good opportunity for beginning to make selections. Look for the articles most closely related to the aspect of the topic you wish to explore. Most databases allow you to mark or save records for printing or downloading.

How do I find out if UT owns a certain article?
From the Libraries' homepage, select UT Libraries Catalog. In the Browse portion of the screen, type the name of the periodical and select Periodical Title from the pull-down menu. Then click GO or press the enter key. You may also search by Keyword, choosing Periodical Title, or select ISSN (for International Standard Book Number.)

In databases that feature the SFX feature, you will find a link to the full text of the article when available or to the UT Libraries Catalog.

What information do I need from the catalog to locate the periodical?
You will need, above all, the call number. For example, the call number for Studies in Short Fiction is PN3311.S78.
You will need to know in which branch the item is. For example

You will also need to know the location within the library. For example:

Getting a Copy of And Locating Search Results

How do I locate the article?
Notice which library holds the journal. In Hodges Library, use a bookmark, available at the Reference desk, to find out on what floor your call number is located. This information is also posted in and across from each elevator.

Go to the appropriate floor or to the Periodicals Room to locate the journal. Use the maps of each floor to help you locate the specific call number. Maps can save time and steps and can lessen frustration. UT faculty and graduate students may have articles delivered to a campus mailbox through Library Express.

What if UT doesn't own the article?
UT students, faculty, and staff may request articles through Interlibrary Services. In general, allow one to three weeks for delivery.

Copying and Selecting Articles

Where can I make copies of articles?
Duplication is on the first floor of Hodges Library. Photocopiers are also available in Periodicals, Reserve, and Reference and on each floor near the elevators. Branch libraries also make copiers available. All library copiers accept Copy Cards. You can make copies from microfilm using your Copy Card. For assistance, ask at the desk in the appropriate location.

What's the cost for copying an article?
With a Copy Card, copies are six cents. Otherwise, copies are ten cents.

Where can I get a Copy Card?
In Hodges Library, Copy Card vending machines are in Duplication, Reserve, Periodicals, and near the Circulation Desk on the second floor. You may also get a Copy Card at branch libraries.

Can I check out periodicals?
Items in the Periodicals Room do not circulate. Most bound periodicals, those shelved with the books, may be checked out for three days. You'll need to remember the short circulation time.

How do I select which articles to review?
Choosing which articles to pursue requires individual judgment based on the topic focus and the requirements of the assignment. The selection process begins as you are searching for articles. Instead of taking the first five articles you find, read through titles and any available abstracts to choose the ones that seem to relate most directly to the aspect of the topic you wish to explore.
Then choose from the list to look first at the ones that seem most promising, and make your decisions from there, keeping your topic and project requirements in mind. Some of the best articles may lead you to additional materials on your topic.

As you select articles to consider further, keep in mind such questions as:

Seeking Further Information

For questions about specific research assignments, ask questions in class, talk with or e-mail your instructor.

For further help with research, consult with a Reference Librarian in person, through e-mail or chat by using the AskUsNow link.
If you need in-depth assistance, you may wish to consult with a Subject Librarian.