Q. Why do library databases contain references to articles and books that are not available full text?

Some library databases contain only full text content.  Others contain only indexed context (basic information about the article or book).  Most contain a mix of both full-text and indexed content.

Indexed content is valuable because it tells you what resources have been written on your topic.  Even if the full-text is not immediately available in the database you are using, it is often available in another database in our collection. 

The easiest way of finding full text is to search the 'Books and Media' search for book titles, or the 'Journal Finder' search when searching for journals, magazines, or newspapers.  (NOTE: Don't search for an article title in the catalog.  Search by the title of the journal that contains the article.)  Upon searching you will find a the online and print access options available. Do be aware that we also have access to the print journals and print books of ASU and WCU, so make sure to select 'WNCLN (ASU, WCU, and UNCA)' in your searching options. If you find something at ASU or WCU you need, simply hit the 'Request' button in the record to have it sent to UNCA's Circulation Desk. E-resources from ASU and WCU are not included. 

Couldn't find the book or article (or thesis/dissertation) you needed? We can likely still get it for you from another library via Interlibrary Loan (aka Interlibrary Borrowing or ILLiad). Interlibrary Borrowing takes a longer than materials at ASU or WCU, but is amazingly deep in content. Place requests and learn more about Interlibrary Borrowing here. 

Have other questions? Contact us at libanswers.unca.edu!