Skip to Main Content

Research Process :: Step by Step

Off-campus access to most of the Library's databases requires your UTA NetIDplus and password. If you have problems connecting from off-campus, visit the Connecting from Off-campus guide, call 817-272-3395, or contact your subject librarian.

A Yavapai College student explains the benefits of using library databases for research over searching the web.

Choosing a Database

Library databases provide access to scholarly journal articles, popular magazines, conference proceedings, technical reports, newspaper articles, and more. To identify the most appropriate database for your research topic:

  • check to see if there is a "Research by Subject" guide that covers your subject area or topic
  • consult the database descriptions on the Library's Database A-Z page

If you need help locating the most relevant database, contact your subject librarian or research coach.

Article Formats

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

  • Index: Includes only the article’s citation information (e.g. author, title, date, volume, etc.). Neither a summary, nor the full-text of the article are available.
  • Abstract: Includes the article’s citation information and a brief summary of the article's content. Abstracts do not include the full-text article.
  • Full-text: Includes an electronic copy of the actual article. Depending on the database, the article may be available in HTML format, .pdf format (displays the article as it originally appeared in the magazine with graphics and pictures), or both.