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Locating journal, periodical and newspaper articles in Zahnow Library is possible using print indexes or electronic databases. It is recommended that both formats be used when doing research. Below you will find information on how to use each of these resources.
Print Indexes:
Print indexes provide citations for articles on numerous topics. There are general print indexes (such as Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature) which cover many topics and there are specific subject indexes that focus on particular subjects (such as Education Index). You can usually tell by the title of the index what its focus is, however, if you have any questions, please ask at the Reference Desk. Print indexes are shelved in the Index Area on the 1st Floor of Zahnow Library. Find the appropriate index (your topic may be covered in more than one index) and look up your topic, these are arranged alphabetically in the index. A list of citations will be provided on your topic. A citation includes the article title, author, journal/source, volume, date and pages. Once you have the citations for the articles you would like to use, you need to locate the article itself. There are several options listed in the right column of this sheet for locating articles.
Electronic Databases:
Zahnow Library provides access to numerous electronic databases. There are general databases that cover a wide variety of topics and there are specific databases that focus on particular subjects. Knowing which database is the most appropriate for your topic is beneficial. Electronic databases are available in two formats: online and CD-ROM.
Online Databases
From the Zahnow Library Homepage, you can access an alphabetical list of available databases with a brief description of the topics each covers. SVSU students, faculty and staff have access to most databases from remote locations via the Internet at http://library.svsu.edu. A valid Zahnow Library card is required. For more information, ask at the Reference Desk.
CD-ROM Databases:
Zahnow Library also offers several CD-ROM databases. These are located on the 1st Floor of the library. Like the print indexes and online databases, CD-ROM databases are both general and specific. For more information, ask at the Reference Desk.
Searching Electronic Databases:
Various searches can be conducted in each of the databases (including subject, keyword, author, etc). Advanced searching (using more than one term) is also possible in most of the databases. Some databases are full text which means the entire article is available online. Other databases provide a citation (title, author, source, volume, pages) and abstract (summary) only. When this occurs, you need to locate the actual article. Several options for locating articles are listed in the right column of this sheet. For assistance or further information, please ask a Reference Librarian!
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