USING THE ACADEMIC SEARCH PREMIER DATABASE

A Basic Search Guide

Lamson Library and Learning Commons 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 may

also suggest other terms to use in

your search.

Click on the title of this

article to view the expanded

citation

Article #2 is available in

full text

The abstract provides details on the contents

of the article

You can email, save, export or save an article to a folder for

later use

Add to folders option

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

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.

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.