Online Journals FAQ
- How do I know if a journal is available online?
- Will I see the same information in 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?
- 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?
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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?
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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.
3. Why can't I see earlier years of an online journal?
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The number of years for which a journal is available in online format varies, and is dependent upon both the individual title and publisher. At present, the majority of titles are only available in online format for the most recent years - generally from the mid to late 1990's onwards.
4. Can I access online journals if I'm not a University of Newcastle student or staff member?
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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. Can I print articles?
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Generally - yes. Once you have opened the article, use either the Acrobat Reader print command if viewing a pdf document; or your browser print command if viewing in html.
6. Can I download individual articles?
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Usually yes. Articles that appear in PDF format may be viewed and downloaded using the Save As option in Acrobat Reader. Articles in HTML format can be downloaded by selecting your web browser's Save As option. You will need to make sure you save using the 'Webpage, complete' option to include images.
7. Can I access online journals from home?
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Yes - you will need to authenticate using your Library or Student number and Library PIN.
8. I need an article that's not available online. What do I do?
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Check the catalogue to make sure that it's not available in print. If not, you may wish to request it from Interlibrary Services.
9. How do I reference an article from an online journal?
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If your lecturer has provided you with a style guide for citing references, check there first for examples of how to reference online resources. The library hold style manuals for the major styles - check the catalogue to find these. Information on Referencing sources is also available in the InfoSkills online tutorial.
10. I clicked on a link to an online journal in NEWCAT but could not connect. What do I do?
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There are many reasons why you might be unable to access a journal's website at any particular time. These range from internet and other network problems, to planned and unplanned downtime at the journal website, as well as problems with our link or proxy server.
Frequently these are temporary glitches and if you try again in 15-30 minutes you will be able to successfully access the journal.
Clearing your cache and cookies frequently solves connection problems.
If the problem persists, please report it via ASAPinfo.
11. Can I recommend new online journals?
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Yes. If you're a student complete the online New Book Suggestions form. Academic staff should contact their Faculty Librarian for ordering details.
12. Who do I contact if I need more assistance?
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If you can't find the answer to your question in these FAQs send us your question via ASAPinfo or call one of our Information desks.
