Research Articles
Research articles are also often known as scientific or peer-reviewed articles. If the article is NOT written by the person or group who did the research, it is NOT a peer-reviewed or scientific article. Research articles are important for knowing what new discoveries have been made. This is why it is important to use recent articles, since they will be the first things published on a new scientific development.
Here's a quick overview of how to identify these journal articles:
- written by the scientist(s) who actually did the research
- follows a specific format
- abstract
- introduction
- materials & methods
- results
- conclusions
- references
- assumes reader already knows background information about the topic has been evaluated by experts
- Tip: Look for a statement about when the article was accepted for publication. Most peer-reviewed articles will include one.
Interlibrary Loan
If a book or article you want is not available, use Interlibrary Loan (ILL). The Library can order books and articles from other libraries. This process takes few days but is completely free for DelVal students, faculty, and staff.
Before you submit an ILL, check Google Scholar or Summon to see if we have immediate access or if it is freely available online.
- Interlibrary LoanIf a book or article you want is not available, use Interlibrary Loan (ILL). The Library can order books and articles from other libraries. This process takes few days but is completely free for DelVal students, faculty, and staff.
Before you submit an ILL, check Google Scholar or Summon to see if we have immediate access or if it is freely available online.
Useful Databases
- ScienceDirect This link opens in a new window
Includes books and Veterinary Clinics of North America--Exotic Animal Species series - BioOne Complete This link opens in a new window
Includes current issues of Herpetologica and Hepetological Monographs, 2 important journals in this field. - JSTOR This link opens in a new window
Includes the back files of Herpetologica and Hepetological Monographs. - Google Scholar This link opens in a new window
A free research tool that searches across many disciplines and sources. Click more link to learn how to link the Library's resources into Google Scholar.