Answer

Most databases allow you to access some full text articles. Some databases, however, serve as abstract and indexing databases, such as Web of Science. These databases do not contain full text but the library does provide link resolvers that usually look like this: Find Text at Tamu icon

When you click on the link, you should be taken to a link resolver page that will usually list a database where the full text of the article can be located:

screenshot showing link resolver page with database access

If the link does not take you to another database, you can always use the Get it for Me service, which will also be a link on the page, or you can find their link at the main library page.

In some databases, such as a typical EBSCOhost database like Academic Search Complete, you will find an option for Linked Full Text. This option will also take you into another database but it is guaranteed the database you are transferred to will have a full text version of the article:

 

Screenshot showing search results with example of Linked Full Text

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some databases, such as Academic Search Complete, also let you select only full text pdf articles in your search results:

Screenshot showing search page in Academic Search Complete with PDF Full Text limiter

Full Text articles generally come in two main forms: PDF and HTML. The PDF version is usually superior as it is a full digitized scan of the original source and contains the full references list as well. If your database does not have a PDF Full Text limiter, you can still look in the Help icon of your respective database and see if there is a command you can use for full text PDF records. For example, in a typical EBSCOhost database, you can enter your search term in one field and then use a command like FM P in the next search line, which tells the database to only return full text articles in PDF form:

 

Screenshot showing search terms FM P used in search field of EBSCOhost database to limit results to PDF files

In general, no matter the database you are using, check to make sure there is a Full text option and check that box on your search screen to return full text records in your search results. If the database does not contain full text records, there should be link resolvers that take you to other library resources that may have the full text. If you still find nothing after searching a variety of databases, you can always try Google Scholar as linked from the library's main page, which also links to our database content. Also, use Get It For Me if you cannot find the item - article requests are usually processed fairly quickly. Last, you can always try  a general Internet search for full text articles - sometimes another educational institution or online archive may post full article content, but if you reach a publisher page asking for money for the article, please do not pay for the article but use the Get it For Me service.

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