1. Utilize Advanced Search Features on Databases:
* Keyword searching: Use a combination of keywords from the article's title, abstract (if you know it), or any other information you have. Be thorough and try variations of terms.
* Author searching: If you know the author's name, search using their name. This is particularly effective if the author is prolific.
* Publication title and date: Knowing the journal's name and the year of publication significantly narrows your search. Some databases allow you to search by publication date range.
* Title searching: If you remember the title, even partially, use it as a search term. Consider using wildcard characters (* or ?) to account for variations.
* Citation searching: If you have a citation from another source (e.g., a book referencing the article), use the citation details as search terms.
2. Explore Different Databases:
* Start with broad databases: Begin with large, comprehensive databases like Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed (for biomedical literature), IEEE Xplore (for engineering), etc. Each database indexes different journals and uses slightly different indexing methods.
* Explore specialized databases: If you know the subject area, consult specialized databases relevant to that field.
* Google Scholar: Google Scholar is a good starting point, though it's not as comprehensive or rigorously curated as other databases. It can often link to open-access versions or indicate where the article might be found.
3. Check the Journal's Website Directly:
* Navigate to the journal's homepage: If you know the journal's name, visit its website and look for a search function, often including advanced search capabilities.
* Browse past issues: Some journals provide access to past issues online, though this can be time-consuming.
4. Use Library Resources:
* Your university or college library: Librarians are skilled at finding information. They can assist you in using various databases and strategies to locate the article. Many libraries offer online chat or email support.
* Other libraries: If your local library doesn't have access, check with larger libraries or national libraries.
5. Contact the Author Directly:
* Find the author's contact information: Search for the author's name on Google Scholar, university websites, or researchgate.net. Politely request a copy of the article. Many researchers are happy to share their work.
6. Look for Reprints:
* Check ResearchGate or Academia.edu: These platforms allow researchers to upload their publications, sometimes including articles not yet indexed in major databases.
Important Considerations:
* Accuracy of information: Double-check the information you have to avoid wasted search time.
* Access limitations: Remember that access to journal articles can be restricted by paywalls. Your library may subscribe to the journal, providing you with access. Otherwise, you may need to find an open-access version.
If you've exhausted all these strategies and still haven't found the article, it's possible the information you have is incorrect, the article is very obscure, or it's simply not available online. In such cases, you may need to adjust your research question or find alternative sources of information.