You can choose to narrow to full-text only in most databases; this means only those articles that are full-text in that database will be displayed. However, you'll want to keep in mind that we have our databases "Linked" so that if an article isn't full-text in the database you're searching, but is in another we subscribe to, you'll be provided a link to the article in the other database if it is available there. You'll see the Journal Linker icon or "Search for full-text" when you have the option to look in another database for the full-text. It doesn't always find it in another database (or in our print collection), but it only takes a few seconds to search and see.
If it's not found full-text in another database, you can always request a copy via Interlibrary Loan. (More info about that service in another tab!)
As you use the databses, you'll begin to see similarites between them. They might use different terminology, have links in different locations, or be displayed in different orders, but typically they work the same way. Take a few minutes to familiarize youreself with the tools and layout of the database search and results screens.
Different journals are indexed in different databases, so it's important to try more than one database when you're researching. In other words, in Database #1 you'll find certain articles, but those articles might not be in Database #2. To do thorough research on your topic, try searching for your topic in at least 3 databases.
Take advantage of all of the facets (ways to narrow/limit your results) that are provided in most of the databases. Many times you'll get thousands of results when you do your first search, but you can use the facets in the databases to narrow and target those results. Options include narrowing by
and more. Use them!