Library Databases are the starting place for finding magazine and journal articles on the subjects you are researching. More than 300 databases are available from computers in the Morris Library and the four branch libraries. Most of these databases are networked to campus; others are available only in the Library. A complete list, by title and by subject, is available on the Library Databases webpage. Here are some helpful search tips:

Choose databases appropriate to your topic. Some cover general and multidisciplinary topics; others are specialized and cover one subject area in great depth. Each has its own focus and indexes different journals. Printed periodical indexes may also be helpful. Ask at the Reference Desk if you need help choosing appropriate indexes/databases.

Identify important search terms and concepts. Make a list of key search terms that relate to your topic. Some databases have a thesaurus within the database which will help you identify related and synonymous terms.

Enter search terms and combine them for more effective searching. While databases vary, most of them allow you to use operators and, or, and not to combine terms. Examples:

Using these operators will help you to focus your search and retrieve relevant articles. See the guide "Combining Search Terms" if you need more information.

Review your search results. Look for alternate search terms in the abstract and descriptor fields which you can use to modify your search strategy and improve your results.

Print/Save Your Results. Many databases allow you to print, download, or export either the complete article or the reference list. Many databases also offer an e-mail feature.

Many databases are enhanced with the Library Get It! service. Look for the words "Get It!" or the Get It! icon ; click on the link. Get It! links to the full text of the article if the Library has a current electronic subscription. If not, it links to DELCAT if the Library has a print subscription. Look for the green checkmark.

The Get It! box has a link directly to an Interlibrary Loan form. Use this if there are no green check marks on any of the other options. Most articles are delivered digitally and may arrive as quickly as two business days.

If the database you are using does not have Get It! links, look for title of each journal you need in DELCAT. Use Browse...Title begins with or Keyword Search for Title keywords. If the Library has the journal, call number and location information are provided.

If the article you want is not available at the UD Library, you may want to request the article through the Library Interlibrary Loan service.