Finding Articles > 4: Locating the Articles

Once you have identified an article that is useful for your research by searching a periodical index, you must locate a copy of it.

4A: Use Links in the Database Record

Some periodical indexes include links to the full-text of articles so that you can read them from your computer. The article may be available in several formats, typically HTML (Web page format) or PDF (portable document format), as shown in the illustration below.

Libraries that are part of the OhioLINK statewide system have OLinks in the records of many periodical indexes. Click on Find It in the database record for the article. This will display the information needed to locate the article, whether it is available as linked full-text or in print volumes in the library. See the illustration below for an example.

4B: Use Citation Data to Locate the Article

Sometimes a periodical index does not provide any links to help you locate the article. It may not be available in digital form, or may just not be available through that particular index.

1. Search in your library catalog for the title of the periodical that contains the article.

2. Once you locate the correct periodical, look for a link within the library catalog record that will take you to full-text, as shown in the illustration here.
   

3. Otherwise, use the citation data for your article (volume number, issue number, date) to see where the print copy of the periodical is shelved in your library. Go there to find the article.

NOTE: Some libraries will also scan articles available only in print and deliver them by e-mail, saving you a trip to the library. Ohio State students can request this free service from Article Express.

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