This document provides a basic guide for using the Academic Search Premier database to conduct research. It outlines key features of the database, including that it covers all academic disciplines and contains thousands of peer-reviewed journal articles and newspaper articles, many available in full text. The document guides users through developing search terms based on a research question, searching the database, refining results, accessing full text of articles when available, and getting help from librarians if needed.

1. USING THE ACADEMIC SEARCH PREMIER
DATABASE
A Basic Search Guide
Lamson Library
Plymouth State
University

2. Why use Academic Search
Premier?
• Academic Search Premier is a
comprehensive database that covers all
disciplines. It searches the contents of
thousands of articles in magazines, journals
and newspapers.
• It is the best database to use for beginning
most research topics.
• It provides access to peer-reviewed journals
in all academic disciplines.
• Many articles are FULL TEXT.

5. Setting up the Search
• State your research question or thesis.
• Example: How does the general public view
people who have tattoos or body art?
• Identify key search terms:
• Body art
• Tattoos
• Social aspects

6. Enter your search
term here. Use the *
as your wildcard, or
truncation symbol, to
get the most results

7. Now, try the
search using the
subject term

8. Use subject
terms
displayed
here to
narrow your
search

9. The subject thesaurus also
may suggest other terms to
use in your search.

10. Now, try this search with the
terms you found. For more
results, use the keyword
default (SELECT A FIELD)

11. Click on the
Refine Search
tab
Besides using search terms, you
may limit your results by date
and/or by peer reviewed
journals.

12. Click on the title
of this article to
view the
expanded
citation
Article #10
and #11 are
available in
full text

13. You can print,
email or save an
individual article
to a folder for
later use
Expanded citation
clearly labels the key
elements: article title,
author(s), and on the
Abstract provides SOURCE line, journal
details on title, issue, date, volume,
contents of the issue number, and pages
article

14. The article may be
printed or emailed
after viewing the
full text.

15. Not all articles
show full-text
links. Check
journal title to
see if an article
is available
online.

17. Click here to get
the full-text
article

18. Click on the link
where the date of
your article is
located.

19. Document Delivery (ILL)
• Free service offered to all PSU students,
faculty and staff.
• Students may request journal articles and
books not owned by Lamson Library within
the building or through full-text services.
• Articles will be mailed directly to the
address provided in your request
• Plan ahead! It may take up to two weeks for
the delivery of your requested material.

21. Complete
ALL fields
indicated
in RED.

22. Ask a Librarian
• Reference Librarians are available to answer any
questions you may have.
• Email us through the “Ask a Librarian” link on the
library website.
• Call us at 535-2455.
• Chat with us between 11 am and 3 pm daily
during regular semesters.
• Still need help? Call or email Anne Kulig at 535-
2833 or annek@plymouth.edu.