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Biology Research Guide

How to do research in biology (and other sciences)

Obtaining Full Text Journal Articles

As mentioned on the previous page, it is not best practice to limit your search results within a database to Full-Text only results. SHU library provides several options to access the articles you need for research.

Many of our databases offer full access to PDF files directly. Somewhere on the screen you will see a PDF full-text or HTML full-text link. The HTML full text usually appears below the detailed record of the item.

Other times, an article is unavailable in the database you are searching, but does reside in another one to which SHU library proves access. In this case, you will see View Record from/in where you would normally see the PDF link. Click View Record from/in to be taken to the full-text article in another database.

You might also see the Full-Text Finder button. Clicking this button will cause a search across all of our resources to see if the material is available anywhere else. If it is, you will be provided with a link to the article. If it is not, you will see a message of Sorry this item is not available online. For something that is not available at SHU, you can request it through Interlibrary Loan. 

And if you are searching online and come across an article that you want to read, but are asked to pay for it--don't do it! Use our Citation Linker tool to see if we have access to it anywhere. And if we don't, use ILL. Bottom line: Don't pay for research!

Journal Finder

Publication Finder

If you need to find a certain Journal Title, you can use Publication Finder to locate it.

Citation Linker

Citation Linker

Sometimes, when using Google or Google Scholar, you come across an interesting or relevant article that is worth your time to read. If you're on-campus, you might have no trouble accessing the full-text of certain articles because, even though you found it using Google, you are using the library's resources to actually get to it. If you're an online or distance student, you might face pay walls where the journal or publisher demands money (a lot of money) to be able to read those articles. SHU Library has two tools that can help if you ever find yourself in this situation: Citation Linker and Inter Library Loan.  

The video below explains how to use Citation Linker to find an article within the library's databases. 

Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

ILL is a FREE borrowing and loaning  service. ILL obtains books, articles, book chapters, and other research materials not owned by Ryan Matura Library for students, faculty and staff.  

Login to your ILL Account - to place ILL requests, track requests, check due dates, and view ILL borrowing history. Each item must be requested online through the Sacred Heart University Library website through the patron’s Interlibrary Loan account.

Important information about ILL Communication Preferences

  • After logging in for the first time, make sure your communication preferences are selected, and going to the correct email or phone number. This enables the system to send automated updates about your ILL requests.
  • Check your Junk Email folder for email notifications from  notices@e.worldcat.org. If found, you must add worldcat.org to your safe senders list to receive future notifications.
Accessibility