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Research Process: A Step-By-Step Guide: Articles

This guide is intended to help you through the steps of the research process.

Periodicals Defined

Periodicals are publications which are issued at regular intervals, such as journals, magazines, and newspapers.

To help you identify different periodicals, refer to the Types of Periodicals guide.

Article Formats

Depending on the database you are using, articles may be displayed in different formats:

  • Index: Includes only the article citation (i.e., author, title, date, etc.). Neither a summary, nor the full-text of the article are available.
  • Abstract: Includes the citation and a summary of the article's content. It does not include the full-text article.
  • Full-text: Includes the citation and full-text article. This may be in HTML, .pdf, or both formats.

Choosing a Database

Online databases provide you with 24-7 access to magazine, journal                                                     and newspaper articles.

To help you identify the most appropriate database for your                    research topic:

  • consult the Online Databases list and/or
  • see if there is a Subject Guide on your topic.                     Relevant databases are listed on the Electronic Resources tab.

For a complete listing of print and online periodicals available at the OSU-OKC Library, click https://osuokc.edu/library/periodicals.

Pete's Portal

Pete's Portal searches the library catalog, EBSCOhost, ProQuest, and more.  Find peer-reviewed articles located in the OSU-OKC Library and access online magazine, journal, and newspaper articles as well as eBooks.

Online Databases in 5 Minutes

Off-Campus Access to Online Databases

The OSU-OKC Library provides off-campus access to journals, magazines, newspapers, e-books, streaming videos, and more with your o-key. Having trouble? Contact the library.

Open Source Journals

Open source journals provide unrestricted, free access via the Internet to peer-reviewed scholarly                                            journal articles.