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How do I find scholarly journal articles on my topic? (top of page)

The best way to find scholarly journal articles is by searching our online databases. From the library homepage, click on Find Articles. You can then choose either Journals and Magazines or A - Z Listings which opens a list of the many databases to which Columbia College subscribes, with descriptions of the types of information covered in each. From this list, you can enter the database by selecting either On-Campus or Remote Access.

Once inside the database, you can check-mark the scholarly/peer-reviewed box. (You may have to scroll down a bit to see this choice). Then, you can begin your search by typing in your keywords and clicking on Search. Feel free to experiment by using helpful search features, such as Date Span or Full-Text only.

Although check-marking the scholarly/peer-reviewed selection box will greatly increase your chances of finding such articles, we also strongly suggest you evaluate the article as well; your professors will appreciate it if you do! Typically, "scholarly journal articles" tend to have the following characteristics:

  • Longer/more substantive than an article in a popular magazine
  • Written by an author(s) with expertise in the field and easily identifiable credentials
  • Well structured and well organized
  • Published in/by a reputable source
  • Long list of References at the end of the article

    • If you need additional help searching, ask the librarians at the Reference Desk, and they will be happy to help! (Take me to the list of databases)


    How do I cite my sources? (top of page)

    There are some great websites out there to help you with your citations. One of our favorites is Diana Hacker's website. Click below on your chosen style...


  • MLA (dianahacker.com) (based on the new 7th ed., 2009)
  • APA (dianahacker.com) (based on the 6th ed., 2010)
  • Chicago (dianahacker.com) (based on the 15th ed., 2003)
    • Home (dianahacker.com)
    Also, if you are in the library, feel free to use the print citation guides as well. They are located in the Ready Reference area behind the Reference Desk.


    How can I get help with my paper? (top of page)

    Help with Research
    The best thing may be to come by the library or call us (786-3703) to get one-on-one help. But here are some strategies we recommend:
  • Search the Catalog for books on your topic (more info on this)
  • Search our online databases for articles on your topic (more info on this)
  • Possibly search the World Wide Web for websites on your topic (more info on this)
    • Help with Writing
    We highly recommend a visit to the Academic Skills Center!

    The friendly folks at the ASC are ready and willing to help you! It's probably best to visit the ASC to set up an appointment, but if you are off-campus, feel free to call at 786-3633.

    The ASC is located in the library on the bottom floor in Room 119.
    (Click here to see schedule and appointment info)

    Also, check out the CC Writing in the Disciplines page!


    How do I view videos/DVD's in the library? (top of page)

    If you already have your video/DVD in hand, you can go right to a viewing room. If not, your professor has likely placed it on Reserve; simply go to the Circulation Desk and tell the student worker your professor's name and what class it's for. Be sure to bring your Student ID with you.

    Viewing Rooms
    There are several viewing rooms throughout the library; these room numbers are listed on the DVD or video. Please note: viewing rooms are first come first serve. In addition to the viewing rooms, Edens Library also houses the Overton Movie Theater, which can seat up to 25 viewers. This location must be reserved. (For more information, click here.)

    If a room happens to be locked, just come find a library staff member.


    How do I find that library research guide for my class? (top of page)

    Did your class come to the library for an instruction session? Need another copy of that handout? Select your class below and a PDF version of the handout will open.

    EDU 386 Lane
    MUA 102 Siemon


    How do I contact a librarian? (top of page)

    There are several ways you can contact us. You can:

  • Visit us
  • Call us: 803.786.3703
  • Email us
  • Or Chat with us!
    • The library is located at the center of campus and we always welcome visits! During the regular semester, we are open 84 hours per week and a reference librarian is on duty much of that time (see the Library and Reference Desk hours). You can also call the Reference Desk at 803-786-3703. We are happy to help you with your research needs over the phone, or you can schedule an appointment with a reference librarian.


    How do I start my research? (top of page)

    There are several places you can begin your research. You can start by performing a keyword search on your topic in the library Catalog. You may find good Reference or Periodical sources (located on the Main floor) or books in the General Collection (located on the top/Third floor). You can also search the online databases for journal articles on your topic. You can choose a great general database such as Academic Search Premier, or more subject specific databases such as ERIC for Education topics or History Resource Center for History topics.

    Not sure where to begin your research? Visit the library and ask for help at the Reference Desk on the Main floor of Edens Library. The librarians will be happy to help you and can share their pearls of wisdom on finding sources in the library, searching for articles on your topic in the electronic databases, and can help you request materials that are available from other libraries.


    How do I find books on my topic? (top of page)

    The easiest way is to search the library Catalog.

    From the homepage, select Find Books. This directs you to the library catalog, where you can perform searches by Keyword, Title, Author, Subject, etc. There is a dropbox on the left, where you can choose the type of search.

    Search the catalog

    More HELP on searching catalog

    For example, if you want to find information on "domestic violence" you would do a Keyword search and should type "domestic violence" into the search box on the right, and then click "Go." This will open a list of books and other media materials that Edens Library owns pertaining to the topic of "domestic violence." You can also refine your search by using more than one key term about your topic. Try typing "domestic violence" and another term such as "children." Your search will look like this: domestic violence AND children.

    You can also do a Title search, by choosing "Title" in the dropbox on the left. Enter the title in the searchbox on the right, omitting any articles (a, an, the) from the beginning of the title. For example, to search The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss, you would type: Cat in the Hat into the search box, and click the Go button.

    To perform an Author search, choose the "Author" search from the dropbox on the left. In the search box on the right, type the author's last name first name in this order. For example, to search for Herman Melville, one would type: Melville, Herman into the search box to obtain works by this author.


    How do I find journal articles on my topic? (top of page)

    The best way to find scholarly journal articles is by searching our online databases. From the library homepage, click on Find Articles. You can then choose either Journals and Magazines or A - Z Listings which opens a list of the many databases to which Columbia College subscribes, with descriptions of the types of information covered in each. From this list, you can enter the database by selecting either On-Campus or Remote Access.

    Once inside the database, you can check-mark the scholarly/peer-reviewed box. (You may have to scroll down a bit to see this choice). Then, you can begin your search by typing in your keywords and clicking on Search. Feel free to experiment by using helpful search features, such as Date Span or Full-Text only.

    Although check-marking the scholarly/peer-reviewed selection box will greatly increase your chances of finding such articles, we also strongly suggest you evaluate the article as well; your professors will appreciate it if you do! Typically, "scholarly journal articles" tend to have the following characteristics:

  • Longer/more substantive than an article in a popular magazine
  • Written by an author(s) with expertise in the field and easily identifiable credentials
  • Well structured and well organized
  • Published in/by a reputable source
  • Long list of References at the end of the article
    • If you need additional help searching, ask the librarians at the Reference Desk, and they will be happy to show you how to effectively search for articles and find the information you need.


    How do I find websites on my topic? (top of page)

    There are several ways to go about this:


    How do I find items my professor has placed on reserve? (top of page)

    All items that your professor has placed on Reserve are located at the Circulation Desk in the library. Just ask at the Circulation Desk, located on your left as you enter the library, and provide your professor's last name and/or the course name. Be sure to bring your Student ID.


    How do I get one-on-one help to research my topic? (top of page)

    If you are unsure of how to begin your research, you can visit the library and ask for help at the Reference Desk on the Main Floor of Edens Library. Or you can call us at 803-786-3703. The librarians will be happy to help you and can share their expertise on finding sources in the library, on searching for articles on your topic in the electronic databases, and can help you request materials that are available from other libraries.