How Do I?

Find Articles and Do Research?

How Do I Find Articles on My Topic?

The most effective way to find articles on any topic is to use the online databases. With the exception of the New York Times, most of our databases provide some access back into the 1980s, some even earlier. If you need to find resources from an (not about an) early time period, ask a libriarian for assistance.

How Do I Decide What Databases to Use?

Different databases are better suited to different subjects. To find out what best suits your purpose, you can read about how to select a database here.
Or, simply go to the Search for Articles page and select a subject to search. You will be offered a list of appropriate databases from which to choose.

How Do I Find the Full Text of an Article?

Not all articles are available in full text.
Full text comes in 2 formats, HTML and PDF. If the full-text is in a PDF format, you will need to click on an additional link in order to see it, because it is a graphic scan of the original as it appeared in the publication. Look carefully on the page for a link that says PDF or PDF Full Text.
If there is no PDF or HTML full text, look for the Find It! button and the phrase "Check SFX for availability". These instructions will walk you through how to use the Find It! system.

How Do I Access the Library Databases from Off-Campus?

To use the library databases off campus, click on the resource you want to use. You will be prompted for your DACC user ID and password. Fill in this information and you simply proceed with your work. For questions about your User ID and password, see the How Do I? page about Other Computer-Related Questions.

Why Can't I Log In to the Databases?

Problems logging in can be the result of several factors. The best thing to do is take a short break and try it again and see if you still have a problem. If you do, check the Problems Logging In page for help.

How Do I Cite My Sources?

For information on citing your sources according to proper APA or MLA style, see the campus citation guide. You can also use the citation builder, Noodletools. You will need to create a personal account to use Noodletools. You will also need to have all the information about each of your sources available in order to use it.

How Do I Get DACC's Noodletools School ID and Password?

Our license agreement prohibits us from posting this information on our web site. You must call or email the library and identify yourself as a DACC student or staff member in order to for it to be provided to you. You can also get a copy of the handout with the information in the library. If you create your Noodletools account while you are on campus, you will not need to provide this information, which is only required when setting up your account or when revalidating it.

If you have questions about this or any other library web page, contact a librarian at 443-8739 or by means of the convenient web form.

Created November 19, 2008
Revised August 24, 2009