Databases Main Page
Subjects
If you only know your topic. (Also see the subject guides.)
Database Title Begins With:
Help with Research Databases
- Which database should I use?
- How do I know which subject to choose?
- What's the password for the databases?
- Does CSU Libraries own this journal?
- How do I find an article from a specific journal?
- Where are the journals, magazines and newspapers located?
- How do I find the full title of a journal if I have an abbreviation?
- Does EndNote work with CSU databases?
- What if the database I need isn't working?
- What if I need more help?
- Choosing a Database Tutorial - approximately 3 minutes long; requires free Macromedia Flash plug-in
I need. . .
- articles on a particular topic -- use SUBJECT to pick a database
- articles on a current events topic -- use a MULTI-DISCIPLINARY database or NEWSPAPERS AND NEWSWIRES
- newspaper articles -- use NEWSPAPERS AND NEWSWIRES
- to use a specific database (ERIC, AGRICOLA) -- use TITLE to find the database
- a couple of articles really quickly -- my paper is due today -- use FULL TEXT
-
an article on a certain topic from a specific journal (such as Journal of Psychology) -- use Ulrich's Periodicals Directory to find out which database to search in.
- any article (not one on a specific topic) from a particular journal -- find the call number for the journal in Sage and flip through the journal issues. You may also browse the electronic journals by journal title. Ask for help at the Information Desk if you cannot find what you need.
How do I know which subject to choose?
- Ask for help at the Information Desk if you need help selecting an appropriate subject for your topic.
What's the password for the databases?
- On campus use of databases and electronic journals does not require any password for access.
- Off campus use of the databases, FindIt (SFX) or Citation Linker requires that you authenticate yourself by logging in with your name, CSU ID number and PIN. Click http://catalog.library.colostate.edu/patroninfo to setup your PIN.
How do I find an article from a specific journal?
- Do you have the date of the journal, author name, and other information about the article?
If so, then use the Find Journals page.
- If you do not need a specific article in that journal, then use Ulrich's Periodicals Directory to find out which database includes information from that particular journal. Ask for help at the Information Desk if you cannot find what you need.
Does CSU Libraries own this journal (or magazine or newspaper)?
- Use the Find Journals page to find out if we own the journal in print or electronic format.
OR
- Do a JOURNAL TITLE search in the Library Catalog. If you do not find the title listed, follow these detailed instructions "How to Determine if the Library Owns the Journal" or ask for help at the Information Desk. It may be possible to receive a copy of the article from Interlibrary Loan.
- Current journals are typically found in the Journal Room on the second floor. Older issues may be in the Movable Shelves on the lower level or in Storage. If you need help, ask at the Information Desk.
- Search for the journal or newspaper title (not the name of the article) and click on Search Sage Library Catalog. If the publication is available only in print, write down the call number.
OR
- Do a JOURNAL TITLE search in the Library Catalog and look at the location. Write down the call number for the journal. (You will also need the volume, year and page numbers for the specific article in that journal.) See detailed instructions at "Locate the Journal."
- Look up the abbreviation in All That JAS: Journal Abbreviation Sources or ask for help at the Information Desk.
- Bibliographic citations that are downloaded from any CSU database can be imported into these products. As an added feature, the Z39.50 protocol within EndNote enables the researcher to directly search and automatically import citations seamlessly. Z39.50 protocol works with the SAGE library catalog and many databases including those available from the FirstSearch, EBSCO, Ovid, and SilverPlatter vendors. Please see the Endnote page for more information.
What if the database I need isn't working?
- Sometimes there may be technical problems that prevent you from using your favorite database. Databases that are not working should be reported to the Information Desk. (970-491-1841). The Information Desk staff can also offer suggestions on a different database to use. Alternatively you can use the Database Feedback Form.
- Ask in person or by phone at the Information Desk. (970-491-1841), located on the first floor of Morgan Library.
- Ask a question by email (Ask a Librarian).
- Contact a subject specialist and set up an appointment for one-on-one help.