Finding Full-Text

These directions will walk you through how to access the full-text of journal articles from a library database and what to do when an article is not available from the library.

• When using a library database – for example Seeker, Academic Search Complete, or ERIC--some results will have the full-text attached (appearing as links below a result), and others will not.

• If you see a .PDF or HTML link underneath a result, click on that link to open the article. [PDFs of an article look exactly like the print version, have page numbers, and are easier to save.]

• If there's no .PDF or HTML link, click on the button. Clicking on this button will launch a search for the full-text of the article. If the article is available through another database, it will usually open automatically. [Note: If at any time it seems that the article is available but it doesn't open or if you are asked for a password, call the Reference Desk for help. Never pay for an article if you are prompted to do so!]

• When you click on the button and you get a page with links to the Library Catalog and Interlibrary Loan, this means that the article is not available electronically. But the article might be available in print.

• Click on the link for the Library Catalog to see if the library owns a print copy of that journal. Once in the catalog, check to see if the journal is A) owned by Loyola Notre Dame Library and B) available for the year you need. If the library has a print version of the journal, write down the citation information for the article [Article title, journal, volume, issue, page numbers] and go to the library's third floor. Journals are shelved alphabetically.

• You can photocopy the article in the library's copy room on the first floor. It costs 15 cents a page to photocopy in the library. You can also scan articles for free. If you are on the Columbia or Timonium campuses, you can request the article through Interlibrary Loan and it will be delivered to your campus.

• If an article is not available electronically or in print, you can request it through Interlibrary Loan by clicking on the “ Request this item through interlibrary loan” link. [ Click here for a quick ILL tutorial] Once you've requested the article, you will be notified by email when the article arrives (usually in one to two weeks). If the library receives the article electronically, it will be emailed to you or you can retrieve it through your Interlibrary Loan account. If we receive a paper copy, you will be able to pick it up at the library circulation desk. [Note: Graduate students may request that print articles be sent to an off-campus center. Check with the receptionist at the center to pick up the article. ]

If you need help with any of the topics covered in this document, contact the Research Assistance desk (410-617-6802).