UNST 148A - Immigration, Migration, & Belonging - Fernandez: Scholarly Articles

Search the PSU Library Catalog for Scholarly Articles

Start your search for scholarly articles at the PSU Library catalog. Type your keywords into the search box on the Library homepage and run the search. Limit your search results by selecting Peer Reviewed Journals under Availability. Limit your search to the last five to ten years to review the most current research on your topic.  Pertinent articles may include links to Similar Articles!

Be sure to Sign In in order to add relevant articles to My Favorites for easy access.

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.

Three Paths to Scholarly Articles

You can use any or all of the tools below to search for articles. 

 

Library Catalog: search box on the library homepage

 Specific Subject Database Google Scholar: search from the PSU Library website
Strengths
  • Covers articles from hundreds of scholarly journals, and newspapers;
  • Searches over 400 databases at once, so article can be available in more than one database;
  • Can see immediately whether one article is available in full text, or if not, request via Interlibrary Loan directly;
  • For retrieval options anytime, anywhere, you need to sign in with your Odin account.

 
  • Has a more focused scope like economics or history;
  • Better interface with more search options/limiters and discipline-specific subject keywords;
  • You just need to sign in with your Odin account to access anytime, anywhere.
  • Journals from a wide range of subjects, including ones that are not indexed in the catalog;
  • The Google search engine;
  • Includes "Cited by" for articles;
  • Access to open access articles with links.

     
Weaknesses
  • You need to know to lock the filters in order to change your keywords;
  • Not all PSU full text journals are indexed here;
  • May produce too many results;
  • Must sign in first to see the full results and  request options.
  • Missing journals in subject from other databases;
  • May need to use Find it @ PSU to check for full text status;
  • May have to order from Interlibrary loan through the Library website.
  • Lack of sophisticated search options/limiters
  • May produce too many results;
  • Must use Find it @ PSU to locate full text.

​Best For 
  • If you already have a citation (or at least the title of the article);
  • if you are exploring a topic (especially an interdisciplinary one) and not sure where to start or what keyword(s) to use.
  • If you need to do subject-specific or advanced searches using various options/limiters.
  • If you already have a citation (or at least the title of the article);
  • If you are exploring a topic ( an interdisciplinary one) and not sure where to start or what keyword(s) to use.

Search for Scholarly Articles

These databases are great places to start your research!