Michigan State University

Tips for Finding Articles in the MSU Libraries

Finding Articles from a Reference Citation

 I have my citations, so where are the articles?
To find articles when all you have is the details in a cited reference, you will need to search the Library Catalog for the title of the journal you need.


The results will to tell you whether or not the library subscribes to the journal and has the issue that you need, in a print or digital format. Remember: search the  name of the journal, not the title of the article.
 

I found the journal listed in the library catalog, so how do I know if you have the issue that I need?
Click the journal name to see the whole catalog record. For printed journals, the section "LIBRARY HAS" shows the range of volumes/issues and years available in the MSU Libraries .You will also see the call number and a location (such as the "Main Library" stacks or a branch library). For an online journal there will be a link labeled "Full text available from..." or "Connect to..." and the years available will be included.
 
Where can I find print journals, magazines, and newspapers?
Current issues of many magazines, journals and newspapers are arranged alphabetically by title in the Periodical Room on 2-West in the Main Library. Some may be found in the branch libraries. Earlier issues of journals and magazines typically are bound and shelved in the stacks (with books on the same subjects) by call number.
 
I didn't find the name of the journal I need in the catalog, so how can I get the article?
If the MSU Libraries do not have electronic or print access to the journal you need, you can ask the library to request a copy of an article from another library, free of charge. To make requests from another library, please see Request Non-MSU Materials. Note: you will need the whole citation (author, article title, journal title, volume, date, pages) to complete the necessary request forms.

Find Full Text (from an article citation)

Have an article citation? This video will show you how to find full text through the library.

Direct link to "Find Full Text" in MSU Mediaspace

Video credit: Emilia Marcyk