When using a library database to search for articles, the most convenient method to access articles online is to use the library’s Article Linker service. However, if the full text of an article is not available in the database or through Article Linker, you may request the article through Interlibrary Loan.
Most library databases provide a link to OU Article Linker (
) when the database does not have access to the full text of an article.
1. To use Article Linker, select a database and search for articles on your topic.
2. Select a title from the search results and click on the article title to view the full record.
3. If the database does not provide a link to the full text of the article, click on the
icon to determine if the full text is available through another database. A
new window will open, presenting you with the article citation and three options
for obtaining the article.
Option 1: “Check for article availability online”
If a direct link to the article is available, the word "Article" will appear under “ Go To” and you can simply click on “Article” to view the full text. The "Journal" link will take you to the journal where you can search for the specific article. The link under “ Database" will take you to a database where you can search for the article.
Option 2: “If the article is not available online, search the catalog”
NOTE: Distance students can skip this option and proceed to the Interlibrary Loan option.
Option 3: “If not listed in the catalog, request the article through Interlibrary Loan”
NOTE: This is the option Distance Education students should use to obtain articles that are not available online, as well as articles in periodicals (journals) that OU Libraries subscribes to in print but does not subscribe to online.
To request an article via Interlibrary Loan:
- Click on the Interlibrary Loan link. Since you are logged in, the ILL system will recognize you and the personal information on the form should be completed. The article citation will also be filled in automatically. Verify that all of this information is correct.
- Students at a distance (such as Liberal Studies students and Advanced Programs students) may use this form to request OU materials. The ILL system should identify you as a distance student. Please verify that your mailing address is correct by choosing "Edit User Information" under "Tools." OU-Tulsa students must use the ILL form on the OU-Tulsa Library page.
- After verifying the citation information, contact information, click the "Submit Request" button.
If you have questions or problems using the Article Linker service, submit your question to OU’s Ask Us service. There is a link to this service at the bottom of the Article Linker page.