UMass Amherst

Library Database Research Guide

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Developed in cooperation with the Dean's Book Course, this guide is designed to assist you in your research for the Dean's Book, the Capstone Experience, and other courses as well. We have customized links to interdisciplinary scholarly Library Databases as well as Library Databases with alternative publications.

<= Research tips and tools, as well as literature review and research log samples, are available on "Resources for Researchers." Follow link on left nav bar or simply click here.

<= Database links are available on this page below.

Collection Overview. The UMass Amherst Libraries support student research through online subscriptions to 17,000 journals. Journal databases includes peer-reviewed professional journals, consumer magazines, and daily newspapers - most in full-text, full-image format. The online collection is available 24/7 on-campus or from your home (off-campus users are prompted for OIT username/passwords).

Database Search Tips. Search for articles from the following list of library databases. Start with a broad-based multidisciplinary journal database. These databases cover key journals in all field. Then narrow your research with discipline-specific databases. These databases search journals on a specific subject or field of research. When you find articles of value, locate the email button, and send the article in your email account.

Help Is Available. If you have not used on-line database searches before, resource staff members are available to help you at the new Learning Commons on the lower level of the W.E.B. Du Bois Library. Staff hours can be found at http://www.umass.edu/learningcommons/servicedesks.html. Database research help is also available through the Library's Ask a Librarian reference service.

UMass Libraries Database Locator. Use the UMass Libraries Database Locator to access full spectrum of online Library databases. Browse by title. Search by subject or keyword.

Databases

Broad-based interdisciplinary databases
These multidisciplinary databases contain articles from thousands of the most well known scholarly journals. Most articles have been peer-reviewed for accuracy by other scholars, thus limiting the need for further evaluation.

  • Academic Search Premier
    Multidisciplinary database indexes 8,600 journals in all fields. Coverage: 1975 to present.
  • Expanded Academic ASAP
    Multidisciplinary database indexes 2,600 journals in all fields. Coverage: 1980 to present.

Discipline-specific databases
These databases become especially useful as you narrow the focus of your research by allowing you to search a subject in depth from the perspective of a particular discipline.

Alternative databases
These databases become especially useful as you narrow the focus of your research by allowing you to search a subject in depth from the perspective of a particular discipline.

  • Alt-Press Watch
    U.S. alternative newsweeklies, covering issues like the environment, labor, public policy, and the peace movement.
  • Ethnic Newswatch
    Articles from the newspapers, magazines and journals of ethnic communities in the United States.
  • Gender Watch
    Articles from scholarly journals and magazines about masculinity, feminism, homosexuality, and gender roles.

UMass Libraries Database Locator
Use the UMass Libraries Database Locator to access additional online databases.

Popular commercial search engines
Use search engines like these to search public-domain websites for research-quality information on your topic. In many cases, the material found through these indexes is either not copyrighted or of low quality. Be judicious in selecting sites. Use your favorite search engine or select from these major search engines:

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integrated brain

Research -
The Fourth "R"

Hot Tip for Researchers

"What is a scholarly journal?"

Distinguishes between scholarly, popular, & trade journals

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Hot Tip for Researchers

"How do I incorporate cultural diversity?"

Suggests search strategies, search terms, & includes links to Ethnic Studies sites

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Hot Tip for Researchers

"How can I search the Internet more effectively?"

"Hazards of the Web" - Explains common misperceptions & concerns about the Internet

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