Step 1

To find journal articles on a specific topic in communication, journalism and media studies, or to track down a citation (such as when you already have a specific author's name or the title of the article), it is best to begin by searching one of the communications and/or media focused databases. These are ComAbstracts and Communication and Mass Media Complete (CCMC). Additionally, multidisciplinary databases such as Academic Search Premier, Social Sciences Full Text, and PsycINFO will also provide articles in communication and media related topics.

Please DO NOT search IRIS to find journal articles. You can only use IRIS to verify what journals are available and/or accessible either in print or in electronic format via the library system. If an electronic version of a journal is available, the IRIS record will indicate it as available "online" or via "electronic access", and give you an appropriate link.

Step 2

Once you are connected to a database, you will have to enter keywords (or search terms) into the search box provided. Consider using multiple keywords and/or synonyms for better results. For information about entering terms, combining searches, or for other database search features such as Advanced Searches, Thesauruses or Subject Index Terms, please use the database HELP links or ask a reference librarian for assistance. For a quick demo on how to search journal articles, click here

Step 3

Once you enter your search terms, the index (or database) will retrieve a list of article citations for you. These "bibliographic citations" display the author and title of the article, as well as the title, volume, date and page number of the journal (or magazine) in which the article appeared. Sometimes, an "abstract", or summary, of the article is also provided. Increasingly, full text articles, or links to full text articles, are provided in many of these databases. Click either PDF (or HTML) Full Text or . For articles that are found in ComAbstracts click the "Check your library for full text access." When journals are available only in print format, you have a choice of visiting the library or requesting a scanned copy of the article to be delivered to your desktop by clicking "Article Delivery" in IRIS.

Step 4

If the journal and volume/issue number that you need is not available at Rutgers either in electronic or print format, you may order the article via interlibrary loan. Click here for an online Interlibrary loan request form with instructions. We also recommend that you consult with a reference librarian for alternate sources.

Step 5

You will frequently need to consult sources and databases outside the Communication, Journalism, and Mass Media fields. For instance, if you are interested in the topic of interpersonal communication, PsycINFO is the database you should search. If your interests are in organizational communication, Business Source Premier Social Sciences Full Text and Academic Search Premier databases will be useful sources. Please consult the list of allied databases in this Guide or the general list of Indexes and Databases on the library homepage for additional information.

Step 6

Saving your search results using RefWorks

While you are searching these databases, mark those items that will be useful for your research and export them to RefWorks, a Web-based citation management tool. You can basically build your own research database using RefWorks. Your final bibliography can also be formatted using the specific style sheet (such as APA or Chicago) required for a course or project. For more information, read the RefWorks FAQ or take the RefWorks tutorial.

If you need further assistance, please contact either the SCILS Liaison Librarian, Myoung C. Wilson, at mywilson@rci.rutgers.edu, or Ask a Librarian (Rutgers University Libraries).