Global Perspectives: Books & Articles

What is a Scholarly Article?

Academic or scholarly journal articles: 

  • Written by experts in a particular field
  • Written for other experts in that field 
  • Use expert language, or jargon, specific to that field
  • Report on the results of research such as a scientific experiment
  • Typically longer
  • Very narrow and specific focus
  • Give little to no background information

When searching for scholarly articles, match your search terms with the language experts use and be specific with your terms.  

Article Databases

Finding Recent Articles in the Library Catalog Video

This video demonstrates how to find recent newspaper and peer reviewed articles in the Portland State University Library Catalog.

Find Books & eBooks in the Library Catalog Video

Finding eBooks

Use the search box on the Ebooks page to quickly find books the Library has available online or use the "ebooks" limit to filter your search results. 

eBook online access link in the library item brief record

Requesting Books from Other Libraries

If the item you’re looking for isn’t available at the PSU Library, you might see a Request from Other Libraries option that will allow you to request a physical copy or, if it's a book, a PDF of an individual chapter.  

  • First, sign in to the catalog to enable the request function;
  • If the item is not available from our library, you can click the Request button for the physical copy or chapter PDF under Request from Other Libraries;
  • The system will automatically prioritize fastest delivery;
  • When your request has been filled, you will be notified by PSU email.