When you click on the Databases link, you'll see a list of all the databases Alliant Library has to offer. By clicking on the tabs, you can also see a list arranged by subject, view descriptions, and connect to helpful guides.
Enter your search terms and go! Finding the right search terms is sometimes a matter of trial and error. For useful tips on developing good searches, see the box on search tips on this page, check out other database guides, or talk to your librarian.
When you have a list of results, it's time to check them out to see if they are relevant to you. You can click on the article title for more details, including abstracts, subject terms, keywords, and more. You can also email the article information (including a PDF of the whole article, if it's available) to yourself.
Accessing the text
For each article, you may see different options for accessing the full text:
Find full text may take you to a window that have several options for searching. One of them will probably say "Article Reach Direct: Can't find it? Request it for free through ArticleReach/Interlibrary Loan."
Request articles for free using Article Reach/Interlibrary Loan (ILL) through the above link or the “Interlibrary Loan” link from the Alliant Library homepage. Log in with your Name and Alliant ID number or 14-digit barcode. Then complete as much information as possible. Most of the form will be filled out for you! Then sit back - you'll receive an email with a link to the PDF of your article within a few days.
For books, book chapters, dissertations, or articles you found that didn’t come with a link to Article Reach, you can use the Interlibrary Loan request form. Enter as much information as you can, and then let your trusty Alliant librarians try to find the material for you. These requests may take anywhere from a few days to 2-4 weeks to fill.