Academic journals are periodicals that publish articles focused on specific fields of study. Also known as scholarly, scientific, or peer-reviewed journals, they are highly valued sources of credible information and are excellent resources to use in your assessments.
Articles in academic journals are usually peer-reviewed meaning they go through a rigorous reviewing process before they are published where the work of researchers is scrutinised and validated by others in their discipline. Due to this process, academic journal articles are regarded as being more credible than articles from popular or trade journals and magazines.
You can search for journal articles through the library catalogue or through Google Scholar:
When using the Library Catalogue to search for journal articles, you can use either the simple search or the advanced search.
1. Conduct a general search for a journal name, article title or subject terms. 
2. On the results page, use the ‘Tweak my results’ filters on the right to narrow your search to journals or articles (e.g. peer-reviewed journals or articles). 
Tip: Explore more filters under the ‘Tweak my results’ to narrow your results further. For example, set a Creation Date range to look for the most recent sources or check out the Topic filter for inspiration of further subject terms to use when researching your topic.
The Advanced Search enables you to apply filters when initially conducting your search.
1. Go to the Library Catalogue and select the ‘Advanced Search’ option
. 
2. In the ‘Advanced Search’ box enter your search terms and select a ‘Material
Type’ such as journals or articles – then select 'search'. 
Tip: On the results page, you can use the ‘Tweak my results’ on the right the same as in the Simple Search.
On the Google Scholar results page, if a journal article is available in the Library's collection, there will be a link to the article as illustrated below:
You can add the Google Scholar button to your browser for quick and easy access. Simply search for 'Google Scholar Button' and follow the instructions to add the extension to your browser.
For more details about using Google Scholar see the Finding Databases Guide.
Library databases are online collections of resources such as journal articles, conference papers, and also sometimes book chapters and reports. If you are doing a literature search or review they are a key resource to use.
Databases are a great way to access journal articles on a particular topic and can be searched through individually. A number of the most relevant databases for Hotel Management Studies are highlighted in the sections below.
You can access any of the Library databases in the following ways:
When you are searching in a database for journal articles you can do so by using subject headings or keywords, the title, author, or journal name.
Tip: To learn more about how to use a particular database, most databases will have online tutorials, usually in video format, to teach you how to get the best out of the resource.
Law uses a broad range of databases to supplement and, where appropriate, replace printed materials. The legal databases broadly offer access to caselaw, journals, and legislation.
Tip: Depending on the publishers, these databases focus on Irish, UK, or International Sources. It is only through practice and experience that you will get used to the different content and facilities they provide.
Access a full list of the Library's databases here - A-Z Databases.
The Library proactively supports and enhances the learning, teaching, and research activities of the University. The Library acts as a catalyst for your success as University of Galway’s hub for scholarly information discovery, sharing, and publication.
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