Finding Articles on EBSCO

I know that EBSCO is evil, but you MUST learn how to manipulate a database now so that you can be successful in college. Professors want you to use recent, scholarly articles and EBSCO is the best place to find them (unless you enjoy searching card catalogs and finding actual books on the shelves of a library). ______

Step 1: Choose your databases (see other page) Step 2: Type a search term (example: Mexico 1862) -Note: Your first search term will not always work! Do not give up! Think of additional terms related to your topic. Try to think of all the terms associated with your specific tradition, historical event or choice topic. Try each of these terms individually. Do not type questions or full sentences. EBSCO does not work like Google or other traditional search engines.

In the boxes below, brainstorm as many search terms as you can. Look at your Structured Internet Search to help you.

Tradition: Historical Event: Choice:

Step 3: Check the boxes next to “Find all of my search terms,” “Apply related words” and “Also search within the full text of these articles.” Scroll down (about one inch) to “Limit your results” and make sure the boxes next to “Full Text” and “Scholarly (Peer Reviewed) Journals” are checked. -Note: This is a good starting point so that you do not get too much information. If your results are too limited, then remove the check from the box that says “Find all my search terms” and then check the box that says “Find any of my search terms.” Step 4: Continue trying different word combinations. If you get too little information, broaden your search. If you are receiving too much information, be more specific. Step 5: Once you see an article title that looks interesting, place your cursor over the magnifying glass/ paper symbol. When the box pops up, read the abstract (summary) of the article to determine whether the article will actually help you. Step 6: If you like this article, then you should first click “print” on the “tools” menu to the right. Make sure that MLA is checked in the “citation format” box and click “print”. Next, go back to the listing and find the option to view HTML or PDF Full Text. Click. Now you have the full article in front of you. Right-click and print. Step 7: It is also smart to save an extra copy to your “H” drive and/ or USB!