Database or the Web?
You may be accustomed to finding journal articles simply by searching the web.
You can do that and, if you do, I recommend installing Passkey, and searching scholar.google.com. When you are searching from an off-campus location, Passkey will give you access to articles in the journals the library buys (not just what happens to be freely available).
On the other hand, the library databases will lead you to articles that you won't necessarily find on the web. In databases, you can execute complex searches, follow subject headings (descriptor terms) and narrow your search results in a variety of ways.
Don't get lulled into the web search trap. There's so much more available to you through the library.
Recommended databases
-
MLA International BibliographyCovers languages, literatures, folklore, film and linguistics from all over the world. Includes books, articles in books, and journal articles. Does not index book reviews.
-
Africa-wide NiPadCovers African studies. Useful for Sundiata (Sunjata).
-
International Medieval Bibliography OnlineBooks and articles about the Middle Ages in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
-
Middle Eastern & Central Asian StudiesCovers political affairs & law, international relations, economic affairs - business & industry, cultural heritage, arts & humanities, society & social welfare, ethnic diversity & anthropology, significant religious events & movements and recent history.
-
Index IslamicusIslamic studies --the Middle East and Muslim areas of Asia and Africa.
-
Bibliography of Asian StudiesAll areas of Asia--all disciplines--history, literature, humanities, social sciences, etc.
-
Historical AbstractsIdentifies articles, essays, books chapters and monographs on history worldwide (excludes the US and Canada),
-
RAMBIJewish studies.