In addition to the specific resources listed on the other tabs, the library catalog will be a useful source to find books. SmartSearch will help you find other news, magazine, trade, and journal articles as well as news videos, biographical information, primary source documents, and other types of sources.
Other library databases are found through the A-Z Databases page. Sort the database list by subject (i.e. Women & Gender Studies or History) and/or by type of database (i.e. eBook or Streaming Media) to find specific types of databases.
Try these sources for hot topics in the news:
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This link opens in a new windowUse Women's Studies International, listed below, to locate scholarly journal articles, books and book chapters. Searching in library databases is a bit different that a Google search. Here are some search tips. You should also contact the Women's Studies librarian or the library reference desk for more help as needed.
This link opens in a new windowSEARCH TIPS FOR ADVANCED SEARCHING
Use these search tips to search for articles on your topic in Women's Studies International and news and biographical library databases.
PHRASING
Use quotation marks for multi-word nouns and common phrases. This keeps the phrase together in the search as if it is one word.
For example:
"Gloria Steinem"
"Media literacy"
"White privilege"
SYNONYMS
Search for multiple synonyms at the same time. This tip can be used for simple words (i.e. suffrage OR right to vote) and also people's names. Use the OR Boolean Operator within parenthesis when searching for synonyms. Also, try people's names both first name first and last name first.
For example:
("Gloria Steinem" OR "Gloria Marie Steinem" OR "Steinem, Gloria")
("white privilege" OR "white skin privilege")
TRUNCATION
Search for multiple word endings by using the truncation symbol. In most databases truncation is performed with the asterisk, but use the question mark when truncating in the Library Online Catalog.
This example will find feminism, feminist, feministic and other words that use the same letters up to the truncation symbol:
feminis* (the asterisk is used to truncate in SmartSearch and Academic Onefile)
feminis? (the question mark is used to truncate in the Library Online Catalog)
Come talk to a librarian in person at the Reference Desk on the first floor of Ablah Library.
What are some reasons to contact a librarian?
To find the best resources for your topic
To discuss strategies and develop skills for searching article databases and the library catalog
To identify and locate primary source materials
If a librarian is not available, you may also seek assistance from other library staff during library hours who will refer you to the appropriate librarian or department as necessary.
See the full schedule of library hours including Reference Desk, presession, intersession, and holiday hours for the main library (Ablah) and for the Chemistry and Music branch libraries. Ablah Library hours are also available on an automated phone line: 316-978-3581.
Chat with us or request a Zoom session via the adjacent chat box. Our chat service is staffed during Reference Desk hours.
If chat is not available, send us a question via e-mail.
Reference Desk (Ablah Library) 316-978-3584
Circulation Desk (Ablah Library) 316-978-3582
Music Library 316-978-3029
Interlibrary Loan 316-978-3167
Subject Librarians are available to help students, faculty, and staff with their research and library instruction needs. Use the left-hand navigation tabs to find the librarian assigned to a particular subject or college. Contact your subject librarian for assistance or to schedule an appointment for a research consultation.
Log in with your myWSU ID and password to request a copy of an article or book. Articles are emailed to you and requests can usually be filled within a couple of days. Books take 3-5 days on average and are sent to Ablah Library for you to pick up. It's free!
