Searching Databases
Citation and Abstract> <Full Text
Search results will give information about any article, including the title, author(s), title of the periodical in which it was published, date of publication, and a summary.
If that is all the information provided, it is referred to as Citation and Abstract.
If the whole article is there to read, print, save, or email, that is referred to as Full Text.
Most databases allow a search to limit to full text only, some on the initial search page, some only after a search has been completed.
If there is only a citation and abstract, and you want the whole article, contact the library. We may be able to get it in another way.
Scholarly> < Popular
Scholarly articles are also referred to as “peer-reviewed” or “refereed,” and are usually published in scholarly journals.
They are evaluated by other experts in the field before being published.
They are generally more authoritative than popular articles.
It takes more time to publish than popular articles.
Popular articles are published in magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc.
They are not necessarily reviewed by experts before being published.
Generally less authoritative.
Faster to publish.
Search Terms
Most articles have related, subject, and/or indexing terms with the article. These can be used to refine the search.
Boolean Logic
Used to link search terms, may be used as capital letters in single search boxes, or in advanced search screen as separate lines.
AND dogs AND cats
OR dogs OR cats
NOT dogs NOT cats
Other Characters
“quotation marks” Keep the words together as a phrase
(parentheses) Used to nest search terms: (dog AND cat) NOT bird
Asterisk * truncation: paint* will return paint, painter, painting
Most databases have search tips, additional ways of refining searches, and help screens