How do I find an article?
Watch this two-minute video that shows you how to find a full-text article through Academic OneFile, one of the library's online databases. Or, scroll down to read instructions.
Fairfield University subscribes to hundreds of databases just for you! These databases contain articles from academic journals, newspapers, or magazines on all topics. Some databases are general and offer overviews of all subjects, such as Academic OneFile. Other databases are subject specific, like PsycINFO for Psychology. Some databases include the full text for articles, some only provide citations, and others have a mix of full-text and citations.
- Choose a database to search. The Best Bests for Starting Your Research in... page will help you select a database. If you still need help, see How do I pick the right database or ask a librarian.
Tip: Don't choose a databases based on whether it includes full text, and don't limit your search results to find only full text articles. Articles might be available full text online in other databases or in print in the library.
- Search the database to find articles. It's a good idea to start with a broad search using one or two keywords, then narrowing down the results by date, type of article (scholarly, newspaper, magazine), or adding additional keywords to the search. If you need help, click on the "Help" link in the database you are searching or ask a librarian.
- You will see a list of citations for articles. Depending on the database, the citation will include the article title, author, journal name, date and page number. Click on the article's title to find more information - you might see an abstract, or summary, related subjects, or even the full text.
- When you find an article that you want, find the full text. Some databases might have the full text article available. If not, many databases help you find the full text. Every database is different, but by clicking on "Search for full text," or "Find a copy", you will be directed to a page that tells you if the article is available through the library, either online or in print.
Tip: If you are being asked to pay for an article, ask a librarian to get it for you.
Still need help? Ask a librarian.