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Politics & Government Junior Seminar (POLS 399)

Sources for research papers in Politics and Government

Getting articles/books that you can't find online

Sometimes you will find a citation for a book or article that you want, but you cannot find the actual text online. Never pay for a book or an article when the library can get it to you for free! Here is how to get access:
 

1. Double-check for access through the Pacific University Library Site.
Go to http://www.lib.pacificu.edu to search for the title in the main "Boxer Search" box.
 

2. To see ALL the possibilities, check the box on the upper left hand side of the page:

 

3. If you see a record for the item you need, click on the link underneath it to get access.
You may be prompted to sign in with your PUNetID and password.

Online Access = You can get it right away online; click through and look for a link to "Full Text" or "PDF"
Available At Forest Grove Main Collection = This is a printed item that is on the shelf in the library, available for checkout. The call number tells you where on the shelf it is. If you need help finding it, just ask the staff at the Circulation Desk in the library.
Check Availability = We probably don't have immediate access BUT we can get it for you. Sign in and follow the directions. You can request a copy either from Summit (which is usually really fast!) or through Interlibrary Loan (pulls from a broader network of libraries, but is a bit slower).
 

4. Can't find it or are getting other errors? Get it through "Interlibrary Loan"

  • Go to our Interlibrary Loan service
  • The first time you log in, you'll have to create an account. After the first time, you'll just have to log in.
  • Need a journal article? Go to New Request > Scanned Copies.  Fill out the form with as much information as you have about the article. It will be sent to you as a PDF as soon as possible. (Often within days; sometimes takes longer if it is a rare source.)
  • Need a book or other physical item? Go to New Request > Borrow Items. Fill out the form with as much information as you can. Our staff will find another library that can loan you the item, using a network of thousands of libraries around the world. This option can take longer, depending on how hard the item is to find and how far away it is.