Finding Articles by Subject

Use this tutorial to assist you in finding journal articles on your topic or subject.

1. Go to Indexes and Databases

A link to the Library's Indexes and Databases may be found on the National Library's home page. It can also be linked to from most pages on the website.

Screen shot of homepage.

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2. Choose a subject

In Indexes and Databases, there are a variety of search options available to you. In this example we have selected "Social Sciences"

indexdb

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3. Select an Index or Database

In the list of Indexes and Databases displayed, those with the symbol Networked Resource or CD-ROM are often the most useful. However you need to be in the Library's Reading Rooms to use them. Click on the title of the product to view more details or Click GO to link directly to the product. Print indexes are also available in the Reference Collection in the Main Reading Room.

select

If you are not sure which product will be useful then try these general indexes:

APAIS - Australian Public Affairs Full Text (APAFT)
Full text articles from the top 200 journals on Australian political, economic, legal, social and cultural affairs.

Academic Search Premier
Full text for over 3,000 scholarly publications

Subject specific indexes are also available such as:

AustLit (Australian Literature Gateway)
Information on almost 370 000 works of creative and critical Australian literature

Meditext: Australasian Medical Index
Deals with all aspects of health and medicine.

If you still require assistance then ask at the information desk.

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4. Does it contain full-text?

Yes

Some indexes provide full text and allow you to print, save or email the article.

1. Example from Academic Search Premier

Results from Academic Search Premier

2. Example from APAFT

Example from APAFT

No

Print the record, or write down the details, ie journal title, year of publication, volume, issue, pagination. With this information you may then proceed to Search the Catalogue to determine if we hold copies of that journal in our collection.

Example from ASP [citation only available]

Habitat Australia citation

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5. Search Catalogue for Journal Title or Source

Search the National Library's online catalogue to determine if we hold the journal.

Remember, the National Library catalogue does not contain details of individual articles, it only lists the titles of books and journals.

NOTE: Some journal indexes abbreviate journal titles. Check Periodical Title Abbreviations (call number: RFq 050.148 per ) in the Reference Collection.

search

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6. Does the National Library hold the issue I want?

Yes

When you find the journal in the catalogue you will need to check if the library holds the issue you want. If it does, you can request the specific issue using e-callslips.

In the example below the library holds the issue required which is volume 31, issue 2.

holdings1

holdings2

No

If the National Library does not hold the issue you want then you may utilise the following to locate/obtain the issue:

  • Libraries Australia lets you discover what's in over 800 Australian libraries
  • search other library catalogues for the item
    The Australian Libraries Gateway contains links to other Australian libraries and their online catalogues

  • request it on interlibrary loan through your own local library

  • use Copies Direct

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