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UWP 102B: Writing in the Biological Sciences

Find Articles via Subject Databases

5 Database Search Tips

  1. Use OR for related terms — Willow OR Salix

  2. Use “ “ for exact phrasing — “ Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi 

  3. Use * for wildcard searching — microb* = microbial, microbiota, microbiome

  4. Use a Title search — TI: Eucalyptus

  5. Use Subject headings 

How to Choose a Database

In deciding which database(s) to use, it is helpful to note:

  • Who: Who is authoring these publications? Are these scholarly, popular, or industry sources?
  • What: What can I find in the database? (e.g. articles, conference proceedings, data)
  • When: When does coverage begin? How well is historical literature covered? Does it include articles published in the last year?
  • Where: What is the geographical scope of the coverage? Does that match your research interest?

Recommended Subject Databases:

How to Access the Full Text of an Article

"Get it at UC" Button

Get it at UC button icon Most databases provide a description of articles and other resources to help you find what you need by searching through the indexed literature within their website. Included as part of the item record is the “Get it at UC”  button. Clicking this button will direct you to a copy of the full text of the article. 

Interlibrary Loan Request

If we do not own a journal or book, you can submit an interlibrary loan (ILL) request to have the book or article (e)mailed to you for free from another UC library. Learn more about how to request books or articles.