ACAP Library Pathfinder: Systematic Searching for a Review

Databases are important tools because they:

• Allow you to systematically and comprehensively survey scholarly literature on a specific topic.
• Are subject-focused collections of searchable references.
• Can deliver up-to-date information or new findings on a subject, and full-text access to authoritative information. 
• Provide a platform that allows you to search a large number of selected academic journals simultaneously, saving you time and effort.

You can find journal databases in ACAP MultiSearch A-Z Databases. It is recommended you start with EBSCOHost as it contains a broad range of different databases covering the areas of psychology, counseling and social work, and others.

Once you have chosen your database/s you can test your search strategy to see what results you find. Refer to the Search Strategies & Examples sections in this guide to learn about systematically constructing a search.

If you need more assistance identifying the best databases to suit your needs, try Search Smart - A free online guide based on your subject and searching preferences. 

Other databases

Depending on your topic, other free non-library subscription databases can be useful. If full text isn't available then you can request the article from ACAP Library.