How do I find an article in NSU Library Databases?

There are multiple ways to find articles using NSU Libraries resources. For personalized assistance with research using the library's Discovery system and/or databases, contact one of our Subject Area Librarians. We are always happy to help!

Database Search:

Specific databases can be accessed via the A-Z Databases List. This resource contains an alphabetized list of all databases in the NSU Libraries collection, with descriptions of the database's content. Databases in this list may also be searched by title/keyword, subject, or type. Note that each database has different, although similar, functionality. It is a good idea to spend some time familiarizing yourself with your chosen database before attempting to search for resources.

For the purpose of this FAQ, the search process for articles will be explained using the popular EBSCOhost database platform.

1. From the A-Z Database list, locate the EBSCOhost database platform by either typing the title into the search box and selecting the EBSCOhost link from the results or by selecting the letter "E" from the alphabet and scrolling down to the EBSCOhost link. The EBSCOhost link navigates directly to Advanced Search page of the EBSCOhost platform.
2. As with the Advanced Search in Discovery, EBSCOhost allows you to search by field, use Boolean Operators, and select filters for your search from the Advanced Search page, or you may add them to your search results later. You may also select which EBSCO databases you want to search by selecting the "Searching: All databases" link above the search boxes and selecting/deselecting the boxes by each database title in the list. 
3. To begin your search, follow these steps on the EBSCOhost Advanced Search page:
   1. Type your keywords/search terms into the search bar(s).
   2. To limit your search to articles, select "Academic Journals" from the "Source type" dropdown menu. Note: Other sources types (e.g., news, magazines, trade publications) also contain articles, each with varying academic properties. When choosing your source, always carefully follow the requirements for your assignment.
   3. Select any other filters that you find useful. Explanations for the most commonly selected filters are given below.
      1. "Linked Full Text" limits the results to only those items available for immediate download through EBSCO. This option may filter out articles that are available freely online (open access).
      2. "Peer Reviewed" limits the results to only those articles that have gone through an extensive review process before publication. Many professors require articles to be peer reviewed.
      3. "All time" allows you to filter articles by publication date (e.g., past 12 months, 5 years, 10 years).
   4. Each record listed in the search results provides the title, author(s), publication name and date, peer review status, and a summary of the article. The title of the article links to the detailed record containing additional information, including subject terms and DOI. You can cite, share, and save the article from the detailed record page using the black icons on top right of the record.
   5. The "Access Options" button on both the results and detailed records pages provides options for accessing the article. As with the Discovery system, some articles can be downloaded immediately as a PDF document and others will need to be requested through Interlibrary Loan. You will need to be signed in to the NSU Libraries website with your NSU credentials to request items using Interlibrary Loan.
   6. "Request through Interlibrary Loan" is a free service for NSU students and faculty in which items not held in NSU Libraries' collection can be borrowed from other libraries. You must be signed in to use the service. Selecting the "Request through Interlibrary Loan" option from any results page will autofill the request form with the necessary information, you only need to complete the "About my request" section before submitting. Most article requests are delivered to your library account within 72 hours.