Before you can effectively gather information to make a decision or solve a problem, consider the type of information you need. Do you need to locate academic research and analysis or news reports? Will primary materials or secondary sources better serve your needs? Will library databases or the open have what you are looking for?
This section will cover the different source types that will help you make informed decisions and back up claims.
Online Library Sources
How do online library sources differ from sources found using Google? Think of online library sources like shows on Netflix or HBO Go. These sources are located on the Web, but if you want access to them, you need to pay or subscribe to the service. In other words, the content is online, but it's hidden behind a paywall. Until you pay, access is denied. This is true for shows in Netlflix, and it's true for online articles and ebooks in library databases.
Here's the good news: The library subscribes to around 75 databases, such as Academic Search Complete and JSTOR, which you have free access to as an FC student. Off campus, you will simply need to log in with your ID number and your last name. A multitude of books, journals, magazines, newspapers, and more await you. Go forth and explore!
Print Library Sources
The library also has print materials that you can search for online (using the library catalog or OneSearch), but you will need to check out print sources in person from the library. Currently, you can borrow print books using our curbside pickup service.
Browse databases by source type below or by subject using the Fullerton College Library Databases (A-Z) page.
Academic, Scholarly, or Peer-Reviewed JournalsOneSearch - In the left column of the results screen, limit to: scholarly (peer reviewed) journals or academic fournals |
Art |
Books |
Plays |
Popular Magazines and NewspapersCurrent News: Newspaper Source Plus & Newswires (EBSCO) Historical Periodicals: America: History and Life (EBSCO) America's Historical Newspapers Historical Periodicals Collection (EBSCO) Search Historical News Articles (on the open web): Access Historical News via Microfilm: The New York Times 9/1851-12/1865, 1/1913-12/2003 The Los Angeles Times 1/1970-12/2003 Search Old and New Periodicals: OneSearch - In the left column of the results screen, limit by source type: magazines and newspapers |
Primary SourcesAfrican American Historical Serials Collection America: History and Life (EBSCO) America's Historical Newspapers Arte Público Hispanic Historical Collection: Series 1&2 Gale eBooks: History - Includes primary sources [using primary sources] Historical Periodicals Collections: Series 1-5 (EBSCO) Library Catalog - Include "primary documents" [see example] or "primary sources" [see example] as search terms |
Reference SourcesLibrary Catalog - In the left column of the results screen, limit to location: reference collection |
Statistical Data |
Streaming VideosDrama Online: National Theatre Collection Films on Demand: Archival Films and Newsreels Collection |
Trade, Industry, and Professional PublicationsOneSearch: In the left column of the results screen, limit by source type: trade publications |
From the library homepage, search almost all databases at once with OneSearch.
After submitting a search, you will be prompted to log in with your MyGateway username and password for full-text access. Look for the yellow bar at the top of the window.
Select the Databases tab to search a single database.
You will need to log in with your MyGateway username and password before you can search single databases.
