English 205: Intermediate Composition (Carmichael)

Selected Databases

Use databases to track down articles in journals. Articles usually have a specific focus, are relatively short, and are relatively current. Some databases, particularly the general ones, include the full text of the article. You can find the databases by going to the library's home page and selecting "Electronic Resources." Type in the name of the database that you need from the "Quick Search" menu.

Background Information
CQ Researcher (current events)
Dictionaries, Encyclopedias & More

General Databases
Academic OneFile
Academic Search Premier

News Databases
Access World News (full text newspapers and news magazines)
LexisNexis Academic (full text newspapers and news magazines)

Specialized Databases
Business Source Premier
PsycINFO
Sociological Abstracts

Find other databases by subject.


When searching article databases, use this button to find the full article.

  • If we have access to online full-text in any of our databases it will link to it.
  • If we don't have full-text online but have a print copy on our shelves it will give you the call number.
  • If we don't have an electronic or paper copy it will link to an interlibrary loan request form so we can get it for you.

Use NUcat (the online catalog) to identify books that the library has, as well as journal titles, microfilm, videos, and other catalogued material. Books are excellent sources of overviews and substantial material on a particular topic, but do not necessarily reflect the most current events. NUcat will also tell you whether material is in the main library or in another Northwestern University library.

Cite your material in a standard format
Citation Style for Research Paper: APA, MLA, Chicago, Turabian, etc.
Online! Citation Styles

Reference Help
NU Library's Main Reference Department contact page


Natalie Pelster
Reference Department
Email: n-pelster@northwestern.edu
Office phone: 847.491-8735

Jason Kruse
Reference Department
Email: jkruse@northwestern.edu
Office phone: 847.491.2171

Reference desk phone: 847.491.7656