Academic Search Premier is a comprehensive database provided by EBSCO, one of the leading aggregators of full-text and secondary database content. This database is designed to meet the research needs of academic institutions, offering a vast collection of scholarly journals, magazines, and other publications across various disciplines. Understanding how Academic Search Premier works is essential for conducting efficient and effective research, especially for students, researchers, and academics seeking relevant papers for their studies.
Overview of Academic Search Premier
Academic Search Premier provides access to a wide range of academic journals, conference papers, and other publications. It covers subjects such as biology, chemistry, engineering, physics, psychology, religion, and theology, among others. The database contains full-text articles from over 4,700 journals and magazines, with more than 3,600 of these being peer-reviewed. Additionally, it includes indexing and abstracts for more than 8,200 journals, with many of these publications being available in full-text format. This extensive coverage enables users to find relevant papers on almost any topic within the academic spectrum.
Navigating Academic Search Premier
To find relevant papers using Academic Search Premier, users typically start by accessing the database through their institution’s library website or a direct link provided by their university. Once logged in, users can utilize the search interface, which offers various options to refine their search. These options include searching by keyword, author, title, subject, and more. The database also supports advanced search features, such as using Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) and limiting results by date, publication type, or full-text availability.
For instance, a researcher looking for papers on the impact of climate change on biodiversity could use keywords like "climate change effects on biodiversity" or "global warming and species extinction." By applying filters such as peer-reviewed articles and full-text availability, the researcher can narrow down the search results to the most relevant and accessible papers.
| Search Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Keyword Search | Allows users to search for articles containing specific words or phrases. |
| Author Search | Enables searching for articles written by a particular author. |
| Title Search | Permits searching for articles by their title. |
| Subject Search | Facilitates searching for articles based on subject headings or descriptors. |
Accessing and Utilizing Search Results
After conducting a search, Academic Search Premier displays a list of results that match the search criteria. Each result typically includes the title of the article, author(s), publication title, publication date, and a brief summary or abstract. Users can select an article of interest to view more detailed information, including the full text of the article if it is available. The database also offers tools for organizing and managing search results, such as creating folders for saving articles and generating citations in various formats.
Organizing and Citing Sources
Academic Search Premier integrates with EBSCO’s folder system, allowing users to create personal folders where they can save articles for later reference. This feature is particularly useful for managing large research projects that require organizing numerous sources. Additionally, the database provides a citation tool that can format references in styles such as APA, MLA, and Chicago, making it easier for researchers to properly cite their sources in their work.
For example, a student working on a research paper about renewable energy sources could save relevant articles to a folder named "Renewable Energy" and then use the citation tool to generate a reference list in APA style.
- Folder Creation: Users can create folders to organize and save articles for future reference.
- Citation Tool: The database offers a tool to generate citations in various formats, including APA, MLA, and Chicago.
- Export Options: Users can export articles to reference management tools like EndNote or RefWorks.
What types of publications are included in Academic Search Premier?
+Academic Search Premier includes a wide range of academic journals, conference papers, and other publications across various disciplines, with over 4,700 journals and magazines offering full-text articles.
How can I refine my search results in Academic Search Premier?
+You can refine your search results by using the advanced search features, such as applying filters for peer-reviewed articles, full-text availability, and publication date.
In conclusion, Academic Search Premier is a powerful research tool that offers comprehensive coverage of academic journals and publications. By understanding its features and how to navigate the database effectively, researchers can efficiently find relevant papers for their studies, organize their sources, and properly cite their references. As a key resource in many academic institutions, Academic Search Premier plays a significant role in facilitating research across various disciplines.
