USING THE ACADEMIC SEARCH PREMIER DATABASE

A Basic Search Guide

Lamson Library Plymouth State

University

Why use Academic Search Premier?

• Academic Search Premier is a comprehensive database that covers all disciplines. It searches the contents of thousands of articles in magazines, journals and newspapers.

• It is the best database to use for beginning most research topics.

• It provides access to peer-reviewed journals in all academic disciplines.

• Many articles are FULL TEXT.

Setting up the Search

• State your research question or thesis.

• Example: How does the general public view people who have tattoos or body art?

• Identify key search terms:

• Tattoos

• Society

Enter your search term here. Use the * as your wildcard, or

truncation symbol, to get the most results

Now, try the search using the

subject term

Use subject terms

displayed here to narrow your

search

The subject thesaurus also may suggest other

terms to use in your search.

Now, try this search with the terms you found. For more results, use the keyword default (SELECT A FIELD)

Besides using search terms, you may limit your results by date

and/or by peer reviewed journals.

Click on the Refine Search

tab

Article #10 and #11

are available in

full text

Click on the title of this article to

view the expanded citation

Expanded citation clearly labels the key elements: article title, author(s), and on the SOURCE line, journal

title, issue, date, volume, issue number,

and pages

Abstract provides details on contents of

the article

You can print, email or save an individual article

to a folder for later use

The article may be printed or emailed after viewing the

full text.

Not all articles show full-text links. Check

journal title to see if an article

is available online.

Click here to get the full-text

article

Click on the link where the date of

your article is located.

Document Delivery (ILL)

• Free service offered to all PSU students, faculty and staff.

• Students may request journal articles and books not owned by Lamson Library within the building or through full-text services.

• Articles will be mailed directly to the address provided in your request

• Plan ahead! It may take up to two weeks for the delivery of your requested material.

Complete ALL fields indicated in RED.

Ask a Librarian

• Reference Librarians are available to answer any questions you may have.

• Email us through the “Ask a Librarian” link on the library website.

• Call us at 535-2455.

• Chat with us between 11 am and 3 pm daily during regular semesters.

• Still need help? Call or email Anne Kulig at 535-2833 or annek@plymouth.edu.