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# 5 tips for finding academic sources
- URL: https://interhacktives.mymagic.page/5-tips-for-finding-academic-sources/
- Published: 2023-03-22T12:06:18.000Z
- Updated: 2023-03-22T12:06:18.000Z
- Description: Academic sources can be vital for good storytelling, and there are lots of ways to find the information you need.
- Author: katiej
- Tags: How-To, Tips, research, search, #Migrated-1793717950415, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-11-03 14:59

When researching a story, journalists often look on social media, do a [Google](https://interhacktives.mymagic.page/why-are-millennials-obsessed-with-korean-skincare-routines/) search, or consult prior reporting through a database such as [Nexis](https://advance.lexis.com/bisnexishome/?ref=interhacktives.mymagic.page). But reporting can also benefit from consulting academic literature. There may be decades of research into your topic, and experts who would love to talk to you about it. So here are 5 top tips for finding academic sources. 

## 1\. Find academic sources through Google Scholar 

When looking for an academic source, search on [Google Scholar](https://scholar.google.com/?ref=interhacktives.mymagic.page) instead of ordinary Google. Scholar results will pull up books, articles, and websites with peer-reviewed publications. You can search in the same way you would on Google, and narrow it down will advanced tools and filters. This is a great starting point for finding what research is out there on your topic.

## 2\. Use the JSTOR library 

[JSTOR](https://www.jstor.org/?ref=interhacktives.mymagic.page) is one of the biggest libraries of academic publications. As well as the paywalled articles, they have plenty of open access research. JSTOR is particularly good for studies in humanities and social sciences. If you find a useful article, you can also see every publication that has cited that article. This means you can move forward and backwards in time as the research develops. 

## 3\. Discover science research at the BMJ and these scientific journals 

Communicating scientific research has become more important in recent years. The British Medical Journal ([BMJ](https://www.bmj.com/news?utm%5Fsource=google&utm%5Fmedium=cpc&utm%5Fcampaign=usage&utm%5Fterm=general%5Fusage&gclid=CjwKCAjwzuqgBhAcEiwAdj5dRqoCweSvXSergY1m1tXA4EvIZlovkgm168yaN3x8MqgZYNbheo5mcRoCmG8QAvD%5FBwE)) is a good source for the latest research in the world of medicine. The journals [Science](https://www.science.org/?ref=interhacktives.mymagic.page) and [Nature](https://www.nature.com/?ref=interhacktives.mymagic.page) are two of the most prestigious scientific journals and both have great research and explainers. You can also find science and social science articles on sites such as [Taylor and Francis Online](https://www.tandfonline.com/?ref=interhacktives.mymagic.page) and the [BASE](https://www.base-search.net/?ref=interhacktives.mymagic.page) search engine. 

## 4\. Gain access through your old university library 

But how do I gain access to read these articles? Much of academia is locked behind prohibitively expensive paywalls. However, if you went to university, you may be able to gain access through alumni library access. Many UK universities have some form of alumni library pass which gives access to reams of academic sources. Some universities may also allow you to browse in person even if you're not an alumni - although this isn't the most convient.

## 5\. Just email them! 

Alternatively, you can email the author. Most academics just want their research read, and if you show an interest, there is a good chance they will share the PDF with you. If contact details are not provided alongside the details of the article, many academics will have profiles on their institution’s webpage with an email address.