Finding Articles in Sociology Journals

Picking a database:

The library subscribes to over 500 online databases so it can be daunting to determine where to begin.  The Online Resources page provides a list of databases by Subject so go to the Sociology list.  Note:  Although databases primarily index articles in journals, often they also index books, book chapters, conference proceedings, and dissertations.

Search strategies:

Most database search screens start at the Advanced Search, which means you can do boolean searches connecting two or more concepts together.  The Advanced Search also allows you to select Search Fields like Author, Title, Journal Name, etc., that help you refine your search.

Look at one of the primary databases for Sociology

Sociological Abstracts  (All US JHU)

You will rarely want to use a one-word/one-concept search term, unless it is fairly specialized as your search will return too many results.  You will also want to use your search fields where appropriate instead of the default Anywhere search.  For example,

Globalization in Anywhere field yields over 17,000 results

Globalization in Descriptors field yields just under 10,000 results.

This is still too many but you've already weeded out over 7,000 results that don't have Globalization as a subject.  Try a boolean search:

Globalization in Descriptors field AND International Relations in Descriptors field yields just over 400 results.  Note:  This set is still too large but can be further narrowed down by type of resource, date of publication, and other means.

Finding full-text:

In many cases, full-text of the article may be in the database itself.  Soc Index provides full-text links to PDFs in the database but when you don't see a link for the full-text, use the  button.

This link takes you to a screen where you can see if the full-text is available in another database or, if not, to see if the library subscribes to the journal in print. 

Other tips

Many of the databases come in packages, like EBSCO and CSA.  If two or more of the databases in these packages are useful to you, you can make the selection to search them at the same time.  Duplicates are removed so although there may be overlap, you won't see it.

Questions?

Contact Ellen Keith by e-mail or at 410-516-4156.