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Online Journals FAQ

How do I find out if a journal is available online?
Will I see the same information in both the online and print versions of a journal?
Why can't I see earlier years of an online journal?
Can I access online journals if I'm not a University of Newcastle student or staff member?
Which of the Library's journal databases include fulltext articles?
Why do some NEWCAT links to online journals connect directly to the title, whilst others connect to a search screen?
Do I need special software to view articles?
How do I open a PDF file?
Can I print articles?
Can I download individual articles?
Can I access online journals from home?
I need an article that's not available online. What do I do?
How do I reference an article from an online journal?
I clicked on a link to an online journal in NEWCAT but could not connect. What do I do?
Can I recommend new online journals?
Who do I contact if I need more assistance?

1. How do I find out if a journal is available online?

All journals available online to University of Newcastle staff and students are included in the library catalogue. Try aJournal Title search in NEWCAT - if a title is available online a link will appear in the record to the online version. It is important to take note of information appearing at this link - which may include limitations on use (campus only, years included, passwords required).You can also identify online titles available via various publisher and database packages from the Online Journals webpage.

2. Will I see the same information in both the online and print versions of a journal?

Not always. Coverage of individual journals varies according to the specific title, database practices, and publisher preferences. In some cases publishers may exclude certain sections such as letters to the editor, short articles, and advertisements from the online version of a journal. Some online journals may offer text only - omitting graphics, tables, and figures that may have appeared in the print version. In such cases, the print version may need to be consulted to complete the picture.As online publishing continues to evolve, more and more articles will include additional features such as email address links, as well as links embedded in the citations and elsewhere.

3. Why can't I see earlier years of an online journal?

The number of years for which a journal is available in online format varies, and is dependent upon both the individual title and publisher. However, at present, the majority of titles are only available in online format for the most recent years only - generally from the mid to late 1990's onwards. This situation will possibly change as online publishing evolves.

4. Can I access online journals if I'm not a University of Newcastle student or staff member?

If you are not a University of Newcastle student or staff member, you will only have access to a small proportion of online titles - those which are freely available to anyone. Most of the Library's online journals are either linked to our print subscriptions, or paid for separately. In either case, publisher and database licence conditions restrict us from allowing access to non-University members.

5. Which of the Library's journal databases include fulltext articles?

A list of full-text databases is available. The databases listed provide at least some fulltext access to journals.

6. Why do some NEWCAT links to online journals connect directly to the title, whilst others connect to a search screen?

This is dependent upon how we have access to the title. Many publishers allow us to provide a direct link to the individual titles, whereas others only permit a link to the database's search screen, where the title must then be searched.

7. Do I need special software to view articles?

Most journal articles are now available as a portable document format (PDF) file. This is the scanned copy of the original printed version. You'll need a copy of Adobe Acrobat reader to view these articles. This is a free plugin that can be downloaded from the Adobe Site.

8. How do I open a PDF file?

You will need to have Adobe Acrobat reader installed (see question 7). Once you have this, you simply need to double-click on the PDF link or icon to open the PDF file.

9. Can I print articles?

Generally - yes. This depends upon both the individual title as well as your local setup. In most cases, you will use your web browser's print command. Sometimes a database or publisher may provide several options for viewing articles. For example, Expanded Academic provide both an HTML and pdf version of some articles.

10. Can I download individual articles?

Usually yes. Articles that appear in PDF format may be viewed and downloaded using the Acrobat Reader software. Depending on your browser and its settings, the file may open in the same browser window, a different browser window, or may launch the program separately. Once the file is displayed select Save As.. from the application's file menu. Articles appearing in HTML format can be downloaded by selecting your web browser's Save As option. However, be aware that saving this way may exclude the download of accompanying images when using some browsers.

11. Can I access online journals from home?

Yes, if you have internet access at home. You will need to enter your Library or Student number and your Library PIN .

12. I need an article that's not available online. What do I do?

Double check the catalogue to ensure that it's not available in print. You can do this via NEWCAT using the Journal title search. If not, you may wish to request it from Interlibrary Services.

13. How do I reference an article from an online journal?

If your lecturer has provided you with a style guide for citing references, check there first for examples of how to reference online resources. Alternatively, have a look at the Library's web pages on Referencing and Styles Guides, or the section on Referencing your sources in the InfoSkills online tutorial.

14. I clicked on a link to an online journal in NEWCAT but could not connect. What do I do?

Sometimes an online journal site may be temporarily unavailable due to Internet connectivity or network problems. As this may only be momentary, try again a few more times.Other problems may be caused by technical difficulties at the publisher site. If this is the cause it is difficult to predict when exactly access will be restored. If the problem persists, please report it to via ASAPinfo.

15. Can I recommend new online journals?

Yes.
If you're a student complete the online New Book Suggestion form. Academic staff should contact their Library Liaison Officer for ordering details.

16. Who do I contact if I need more assistance?

If you can't find the answer to your question in these FAQs send us your question via ASAPinfo.