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Literature

A guide to literature research resources from UMSL Libraries.

Text: Finding Articles. Red box background

Discover@UMSL

The library's main search tool for books, articles, and more. This tool is an excellent place to begin your research because it searches across UMSL's materials AND multiple online databases at the same time.

 

Option 1: Keyword SearchText: Guide to Discover@UMSL. Next to yellow mouse icon and above red and yellow search bar.

  1. Type in your search terms
  2. Click "Search"
  3. Under "Limit By Source Type" (on the left side of the screen), select Academic Journals.

Option 2: Title or Author Search

  1. Type the title or author's name into the search bar
  2. Select either "Title" or "Author" from the drop-down menu to the right of the search bar
  3. Click "Search"
  4. Under "Limit By Source Type" (on the left side of the screen), select Academic Journals.

Option 3Advanced Search

  1. Select the Advanced Search option (underneath the Search Bar)
  2. Use the search bar(s) to type in your terms
  3. In the Select a Field drop-down menus, select what type of search you would like to run.
    • Useful options for article searches include Title, Author, AbstractSubject Terms, or Journal Title
  4. Adjust other limiters if needed
  5. Click "Search"

Databases

You have access to scholarly research and other resources provided through online databases that UMSL subscribes to every year. These databases allow you to search resources in your subject area in a more advanced, targeted way.

We subscribe to multiple databases that offer resources related to language and literature, including literary criticism.

We've linked recommendations to get you started below, or you can visit our complete list of databases. Contact the library for assistance with accessing or navigating any of UMSL's databases!

Databases

Google Scholar

Google Scholar Search
Can I use Google Scholar for academic research?

The short answer is yes!  You can use Google Scholar to conduct scholarly research.  However, there are situations in which a library database will be more efficient and useful for your research.

How does Google Scholar compare to a library database?
  • May or may not provide you access to the full text.  Look on the right side of the screen for an UMSL Libraries link or try the title in Discover@UMSL.
  • Does not search materials in a particular discipline.
  • No easy way to sort results.
  • Fewer options to narrow your search with limiters.
  • Misses out on print materials.

Google Scholar may still provide you with valuable results, but we recommend also utilizing the library's resources to complete your research.