Journals
are specialised academic publications produced on a regular basis, containing
recent research. You need to be familiar with the main journals in your subject
area. They are usually available in paper or electronic formats (e-journals).
E-journals
and other electronic resources such as subject databases are becoming
increasingly important. Their advantage is that they can be accessed by
computer, saving the need to visit the library to find a book. Most library
websites have a separate portal or gateway for searching electronic resources.
This allows you to enter the name of a specific journal, or look for possible
journals in your subject area by entering a term such as ‘international business
law’. In this case, the database may offer the following titles:
European Business
Law Review
European Business
Organisation Law Review
International Trade
and Business Law Review
Law and Business
Review of the Americas
In
each case, you can access a list of issues available. By
clicking on any of these issues you can read a full list of articles. It is
usually sufficient to read the abstract to find out if the article will be
relevant to your work. Note that most journal websites contain a search engine
to allow you to search all back issues by subject. They may also offer links to
articles in other journals on the same topic.
The
best way to become familiar with these methods is to practise. Library websites
usually contain tutorials for new students, and librarians are always willing
to give help and advice when needed.
