COMM 6380: Introduction to Graduate Studies

Since you will have to verify that your sources are scholarly and reputable, it is not a good idea to use Google to find journal articles. 

You will be able to spend less time overall on your research if you use databases available from the Cornette Library.

Start by using the database Communication Source for Communication research.

Another excellent option is to use EBSCO Search via the Databases A - Z button on the Cornette Library home page  It will enable you to search most of the EBSCO databases at one time.

Type a phrase in "quotations marks".

Be sure to check the box for Scholarly Articles to search:

• only for scholarly articles, not books
• most of the library databases
• some open access journals   

After a Discover search, you will have many options to improve the list of full-text articles in the search results, such as:

• click on Advanced Search  to type in addtional/different search words or for various options
• use the facets in the right-hand column to find fewer, better articles
• change the date range of publications to see only recent articles
• filter results by subject terms
• filter results by database ("Collection")
• remember:  more search words = fewer articles

No.  Sometimes an article may only be available in print or on microfilm in the library.

Generally, you will find copies of journals on the second floor of the library--in the Periodicals area.

For a major research project, allow at least one week to find articles that are available online.

You will need about one more week to find the articles that are in print or only available via Interlibrary Loan.

Also, after reading the articles you find first, you may discover that you need to find additional articles that are tricky to find.  Allow one week minimum.

Learn more about getting started with the Research Process.

No.

If you see a notification to pay for an article, please do not pay for it.

• It may be available for free in another database.
• A similar article may be available for free in another database.
• You might be able to get it at no cost using Interlibrary Loan (allow two weeks).
• Please contact a librarian to help you.

Every WTAMU student may print 1,500 copies for free per semester.

If researching from off campus, you may email articles to yourself, then print later.

You may also save an article to your computer, then email it to a particular printer on campus using Buff Print.

Contact Carolyn Ottoson on the 2nd floor, Govt Docs, (806) 651-2204, or at cottoson@wtamu.edu

Also available: Reference Help

• Using "Email a Librarian". Most responses within 1 business day.
• Call (806) 651-2215 during library hours
• Stop by the first floor Research & Access desk any time the library is open
• Chat option is available on the library home page during library hours