| Instructional Guides |
| Compendex |
Please click on SFX
to connect to electronic full text, print access or Illiad to request if we do not have it.
Note: Try the New "Basic Search (beta)" by clicking on the Basic tab. Use the options on the right side of the results screen to narrow down your search.
What years are covered?
1969 to present
How do I search for a journal article?

3.) If you know the author (last name, first name) use the "Author" from the pull down menu. If you are unsure of the Author's first name use the asterisk to truncate.
For Example: ![]()
-or-
4.) If you know the article title, use "Title" from the pull down menu.
For Example:![]()
5.) If you want to search within a specific journal, use "Serial Title" from the pull down menu.
For Example:
6.) Use the "limit by" features to build a better search. You can limit by document type (i.e. journal article, conference proceeding, report), treatment type (i.e. literature review, application) [Note: Only applies to records published after 1985], language (i.e. Spanish, Japanese), and year (i.e. 1969-2004). Also use the "sort by" options to chance how records are listed either relevance or date order (newest first).
Note: For exact phrase searching use brackets or quotation marks. For Example, {block and tackle} or "solar energy".
Note: Click on the question mark
for more information or try the Help tab.
What is the truncation symbol?
The truncation symbol is the asterisk (*). For example, irradiat* finds irradiate, irradiation, irradiated, irradiating.
Note: Search terms are automatically stemmed in the Quick Search.
How do I get the article if not in the database electronically?
4.) If the SFX box only says No full text available at the CSULB Library for this Item it means we do not have this journal. To get this item use Illiad InterLibrary Services. Note: It will take 5-10 days to get article from Illiad.
How do I use Scirus to search the Web?
Scirus is a free science-only search engine. It covers over 150 million webpages related to all disciplines of science. Use like any other search engine. Use the "About Us" feature to find more information on what is covered and the searching algorithm.
What is a "Personal Account?"
You can create a free Personal Account by registering with Compendex. You can save searches, create e-mail search alerts, table of contents alerts and save records in your own folder. Click on the Personal Account Log-in for more information.
What if it asks me for a Log-in or Password?
If you are asked for a log-in or a password, generally, it means we do not have access to those areas, except for the features of the Personal Account, which requires free registration. If you have any questions please email the Science and Engineering Librarian.
What are some other related resources for my research?
Databases
IEEE Xplore
Science Direct
Scitation
Web of Science
Wiley Interscience
General Science Abstracts
Research Guides
Engineering
Gray Literature
Chemistry/Biochemistry
Physics/Astronomy
What if I need more help?
Getting Organized for Research
Using Magazines, Newspapers & Journals
Chat with a librarian 24/7
Email the Engineering Librarian top