Skip to Main Content

PHI 360 - Topics in Environmental Philosophy

Databases

Multi-Subject Databases

Subject-Specific Databases

Finding Articles

Finding Articles:

Each database is going to look slightly different, but the mechanics of how to use them all are similar. I am using an EBSCO database, Academic Search Complete, as an example. Don't hesitate to reach out to me if you have questions about using a specific database.

 

Step 1: Search Form

The first thing you want to do is enter keywords. These should describe the different aspects of your research topics, broken down into basic pieces. These can be more specific than searching for books. You should also select "Peer Reviewed Journals" button to make sure you're looking at scholarship.

NOTE: The scholarly button will be on the right side of the results page if you are searching in Articles.

advanced search box for Academic Search Complete with hypothetical keyword search

Peer review filter box

 

 

Step 2: Results

The keywords should bring up a useful set of results. Some things to look at for each title:

  • Look for keywords in the title
  • Subjects will give you another indication of relevance
  • Look at the citation information below the title (Journal Title) as well
  • Articles with direct access to the full text will include a PDF Full Text button
  • Click the Find it button to see where else the article is available. If it isn't available through Milner, you can use Find it to request the article through interlibrary loan (see databases page for more information).

example search result with title, subjects, and PDF button highlighted

 

Step 3: Article Record

Clicking the title of an article will bring up the article record. This gives more information about each article. You can look at title, citation, and subject information on this page. The article's abstract will also be available on this page.

image of catalog record for an article

Finding Articles Milner Doesn't Have

Our library doesn't have access to every article. Databases will show you articles that match your search, even if they don't have direct access to the full text of an article. If you see something relevant that Milner doesn't have, you can request it to come (for free) from another library. watch the videos below to see how that process works.

Journals

Searching within A Journal

If you keep seeing a specific journal title when you're using databases, it is possible to see what else is available just within that journal title. Searching Milner's Journal Search page (see link below) will show you what the library has available for individual titles.

Social Sciences Librarian

Profile Photo
Grace Allbaugh
Contact:
Milner Room 415
Please use the "Book Appointment" button above to make an appointment.
(309) 438-5313