Databases allows you to search for scholarly journal articles, book chapters and conference papers. Some databases include the full text. Some databases are subject specific and some are very general (including all subjects).
Search several databases when beginning your project! There are unique references in each database you search.
See Appropriate Use of Electronic Resources Policy.
Most databases can be accessed from off-campus. Just enter your SMU ID and Password when prompted.
Databases have powerful search tools to help you get relevant results.
AND – use to specify that both words must be present. E.g. Japan AND China
OR – use to specify that either words can be present. E.g. Asia OR Asian
* – use to replace characters in the word and helps to retrieve variations of the word. The symbol used may vary from database to database. Check the help or search tips in the database. E.g. Use globali* to include words like (globalise or globalize or globalizing or globalisation or globalization).
( ) – use to specify which group of words to process first. E.g. nationalism and (Asia OR Asian)
"Phrase search" – use to specify the order of the words. E.g. “National identity”
Field search – use to specify the field that the words must appear. E.g. Nationalism in SU Subject Terms or Korea in GE Geographic Terms
Check the individual database Help page for more tools
