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Below you will find some instructions for using the UI Library search engine.  These instructions were written by a student last year for geology majors, but I've added some notes to help you see how to use them for any major. My notes are in brown. 

(Please be sure to read "this week at a glance" so you know why you're doing this.)

How to Find Journal Articles in the University of Idaho Library

Purpose:

The purpose of this set of instructions is to inform geology majors on how to use the University of Idaho Library to find journal articles.

Tools for basic research:

Database: A collection of data organized to allow for quick search and retrieval. 
Index: A guide for facilitating references to articles.
Abstract: A short summary of an article used to inform the reader of its contents.
Citation: A reference to a specific article.  It includes the title, author, and the source  (title of periodical, volume/issue, date, and page).

 Using an index to find citations:

You need to find an index useful for your major/field of study.

Step 1: Navigate the browser to the University of Idaho Library webpage: http://www.lib.uidaho.edu

Step 2: Click on “Find Articles.”  This will bring you to a page where you can search the different databases and indexes for journal articles.

Step 3: Click on the drop down box under "Databases by subject," pick a general subject area that is useful for you, and click "go there."  For general searches pick Ebsco Search.

NOTE:  to gain off-campus access to some of these indexes, you will need to use the bar code number on your UI identification card (not your student ID).  To receive a bar code number use this link: http://www.lib.uidaho.edu/access_services/ill_request_form.htm .  It takes 24 hours to activate your bar code number.

Note: If you  have trouble gaining access, contact the Library by email  at http://www.lib.uidaho.edu/reference/ask_a_librarian.htm  or email Diane Prorak [prorak@uidaho.edu] (a reference librarian) and let me (Phil Druker) know what is going on. (See troubleshooting hint # 2 below)

Note:  This all works best if you do NOT open the UI Library Web through Blackboard (this course's page). Instead, open it through a different window.  Also, pop-up blockers may interfere so you may need to turn off the blockers. 

Step 4: Click on the index title that looks useful to you.

Step 5: Type in the desired key word or subject of interest in the “Search” box.  This will bring up a list of articles containing the words entered into the search box.

Step 6: Click on “Locate Article” beneath the desired article(s) to obtain the citation information on the “Link Source” page.

Using the citation to find the article:

Now that you have a citation, there are two main ways to access the desired article.  One is to use the link (if one is provided) in the citation.  The other is to use the journal list in the library to access the article.

To access the article using a link provided in the citation:

Step 1: Click  the “Article linker” button and click on “Full Text.”  This will bring you to any full-text versions of the article in PDF or html format. (Note: not all articles have this full-text link)

Step 2:  Click on “Request to Borrow this Item, if it is not Already Available” on the “Link Source” page if it is not available in the library.  This will allow you to  borrow the item from another library.  Or go to the Library's interlibrary loan page at <http://www.lib.uidaho.edu/access_services/interlibrary_loan.htm >                                              

a. Fill in the requested information on the form and click “Submit.”  The article should be delivered via e-mail in 2-3 days. 

Troubleshooting:

1. If you need help finding an article, do not hesitate to ask a librarian.
2. If you are accessing the University of Idaho Library database from a computer other  than the university computers, the user will be required to type in the barcode and last name from his/her Vandal ID card.
3. Make sure to start your research early enough to allow ample time to read the articles carefully.  This will make writing a research paper much easier.

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