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English Composition

What is a database?

When instructors tell students to use library databases to find information on a topic, they are referring to the many subject-specific online research tools the library offers. 

For students in classes like English Composition and Effective Oral Communication, an "all-purpose" database like Academic Search Complete is an excellent place to start.  See the link in the middle of this screen under Finding Magazine and Journal Articles to access this database.

Additional help in using a database like Academic Search Complete can be found at the bottom middle of this screen under "How To" Tutorials.

ZipSearch!

ZipSearch is the best place to start most research projects. It includes:

  • Journal, Newspaper, and Magazine Articles
  • Books at UA
  • Books in OhioLINK
  • Streaming Video & Audio
  • Book Reviews

Because ZipSearch includes so many resources, it can be helpful to limit your results. On the initial search page you can limit your results to resources that are available online, peer reviewed, or recently published.

ZipSearch Homepage

 

And then on the Search results page you will have additional filter options that can be accessed by selecting 'All filters' below the search box. Pick what filters you want to use and select 'Apply Filters'. Subject and Source Type are two of the more useful filters.

If you are not able to find what you are looking for using ZipSearch, then please Contact the Library and we would be happy to help. You can also checkout the Library's Subject Guides for help researching a particular subject.

Certain materials are easier to find using the Library Catalog. This is because the Library Catalog has different search options and results. These materials include:

  • Course Reserves Items
  • Music Scores
  • Streaming Video & Audio
  • Government Documents

Finding Magazine and Journal Articles