New Students

SVSU's library provides access to thousands of magazine, newspaper and journal articles through our subscription databases.  You can begin your search from the Search With Zahnow tool located on the library's homepage.  Other general databases such as ProQuest, JSTOR or SAGE Premier may also be great places to begin your search.

Another strategy to locate articles on your topic is to use one of our subject-specific databases.  From the library's databases page, you can select a specific subject for a listing of databases focused in that area.  

SVSU's databases can be accessed using your SVSU username and password.

• Use Keywords: Start with specific keywords related to your topic and use synonyms to broaden your search.
• Apply Filters: Use filters like publication date, type of source, or subject area to narrow down your results.
• Use Boolean Operators: Combine keywords with "AND," "OR," or "NOT" to refine your search (e.g., "climate change AND renewable energy").
• Read Abstracts: Before diving into full articles, read abstracts to quickly assess their relevance.
• Use Advanced Search: Take advantage of advanced search features to specify fields like title, author, or subject if you need more precise results.
• Keep Track of Sources: Make notes or use reference management tools to keep track of useful sources and their details for later use.
• Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to ask librarians if you’re struggling to find what you need.