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Searching for journal articles by citation

You may come across a journal article citation and want to access the article. The easiest way to check whether an article is available is to search for the journal title in the CQUniversity Library Catalogue.  As a general rule the journal title, not the article title, is listed in the Library Catalogue.

SEARCHING FOR THE JOURNAL TITLE

To search the Library Catalogue for a journal title:

  1. Identify the title of the journal from the journal article citation.
  2. Perform a journal title search in the Library Catalogue

Note: Occasionally you will see a journal article in the Library Catalogue. These articles are collected to support individual courses and are part of Course Resources Online. 

ACCESSING THE JOURNAL ARTICLE

If the Library holds the journal, you need to check if the specific volume and issue containing your article is available.  It may be available online, in print or sometimes in both:

 journal title search results

Accessing journal articles online: 

  1. If a journal article is available online, [electronic resource] will usually appear next to the title.  Select the title with this tag.

  2. On the 'Complete Record' screen, select the link at the top of the record

     complete record link to e-journals

  3. A new window provides details about where an online journal may be accessed - this will usually be via a database or a publisher's website.

  4. There may be more than one option listed.  Check the date on your citation and choose an option that covers the relevant date range:

    e-journals listing for a journal title


    Note:  If the relevant date range isn't available, go back to the results of your 'Journal Title' search to check if a print copy is available.

  5. Use the options on the database to locate the article.  Depending on the database, this may be via the year of publication, a list of volumes and issues, or an actual search of the database - searching for the first few words of the article title is usually an effective option.

Accessing journal articles in print:

  1. On the Search Results page, select the journal title that does not include an  [electronic resource] tag.

  2. The link will usually open at the 'Holdings Information' screen.  If not, select the 'Holdings' link to check if the Library holds a copy of the relevant volume and issue number.

  3. Locate the journal on the shelves using the call number listed on the record.

    Note: If you are an Off-campus student you may be able to order a photocopy of the journal article.

When the journal article isn't available:

When the journal article isn't available via the Library, consider these options: