I Need Articles for an Assignment

You have an assignment that is due soon, and you’re not sure where to go to find articles or how to find the right articles.

We know that research can be a challenge. Here are five things you can do to find the articles you need for your assignment with IWU Online Campus Library Services (OCLS).

1. OCLS QUICKsearch
   Getting started is the hardest part, and OCLS QUICKsearch, aka “OCLS Google,” is an excellent place to start. QUICKsearch saves you time by searching most of the OCLS databases with one search. On the OCLS homepage, scroll down to the search box area, click the QUICKsearch tab, and type in your keywords or topic.
   
   
2. Journal Titles Search
   Are you looking for a specific journal, magazine, or newspaper? The Journal Titles Search is a useful tool that searches for periodicals available at IWU. On the OCLS homepage, scroll down to the search box area, click the Journal Titles tab, and type in the name of the journal, magazine, or newspaper.
   
   
3. General Databases
   OCLS has many subject-specific databases, and they are essential to research. People tend to overlook the general databases when they start their research. General databases have a wide range of topics that are excellent for background and overview of your topic. On the OCLS homepage, click General in the Article Databases column to find a general database.
   
   
4. Basic Search Tips
   Here are four search tips that will make finding articles easier:
   
   
   1. Article Title Search. If you want to read an article and know the title, you can type the title in QUICKsearch to see if it is available at IWU.
   2. Full Text. Limit your search results to Full Text to get articles you can read and download immediately. In QUICKsearch, on the left side of the page under Limit To, check the Full Text box.
   3. Scholarly (Peer-Reviewed). If your assignment requires you to use scholarly, peer-reviewed, or academic journal articles, don’t forget to limit your search results. In QUICKsearch, on the left side of the page under Limit To, check the Scholarly (Peer Reviewed) Articles box.
   4. Publication Date. If your assignment requires you to use recently published articles, you can limit your search to articles published in the last few years. In QUICKsearch, on the left side of the page under Limit To, type the year (e.g., five years ago) in the first Publication Date box and hit enter.
      
      
5. Contact OCLS
   We know that research can be overwhelming and challenging at times! OCLS can help you with your research:
   • Personalized Search Plans (PSPs). PSPs are customized search plans created by OCLS Librarians that help you go to the right database, type in the right keywords, and find the articles you need for your assignment. To request a PSP, email OCLS with your topic, research question, and assignment requirements.
   • Librarian Zoom Appointments. If you are a visual learner or you learn by doing, a Zoom appointment with an OCLS Librarian may help you. You can share your computer screen, and a librarian will guide you through the research process. To request a Librarian Zoom Appointment, email OCLS.

When you get stuck or have research questions, remember that OCLS is here to help guide you through searching databases or answer your research questions.

If you would like more research tips, follow IWU Online Campus Library Services on Facebook: @ocls.indwes.

For more information, contact the OCLS team:

1-800-521-1848

ocls@indwes.edu