If the database you are using doesn't provide the full text for an article directly, remember to take these 3 steps IN SEQUENCE to search for a copy in the Case Libraries system.
IF, AND ONLY IF, these 3 steps don't provide a way to get a copy of the article, see the box below for information on our inter-library loan (ILL) service.
If you've determined that the full text of an article isn't available electronically or in print from the Case Libraries, you can request a copy through our interlibrary loan service.
Things to keep in mind when reviewing sources:
Who is the audience, and are there other discussants? - This is a core question when it comes to making source type distinctions (books, periodicals, web pages, etc.) and evaluating source authority/validity.
Note that academic libraries primarily collect peer-reviewed scholarship and research sources that are not available from other types of libraries or the web.
Don’t rely on search engines and databases to do the research review work for you. They are only tools.
More important is to discover and trace specific research conversations, rather than finding everything possible in a database that connects to your broad topic area.
Review core catalog and article database searching techniques with this set of quick tutorials:
The objective for your paper assignment -- To trace your way back to the specific research conversations on your topic, and demonstrate that you understand the issues and questions being asked currently by the researchers.
Methods for conducting background research on your topic:
Map It! - Use concept and topic mapping to brainstorm ideas for your paper topic, track various aspects of the research conversation, and make decisions about which research conversations you'll focus on in particular for your paper. (*see below for more on mapping techniques)
Topic mapping can be a great tool to help you organize your thoughts and generate important keywords for your topic.
For an introduction to topic mapping, watch this three-minute UCLA Library video.
The great thing about topic maps is that you can create one using paper and pen/pencil. You can also sketch icons and use a variety of colors and arrows to be even more creative. For more background, an online search for "Concept Map" or "Mind Map" will turn up many examples you can browse through to get a sense of what may work best for you.
Steps to create your own map: