Skip to Main Content


Jessie Ball duPont Library

JSTOR

How to use the JSTOR database for maximum efficiency and utility

What is JSTOR?

JSTOR is one of the largest databases which the library offers. According to their own statistics, "JSTOR provides access to more than 12 million academic journal articles, books, and primary sources in 75 disciplines."

You can go straight to JSTOR here:

JSTOR

However, JSTOR is just one of the many databases which the library offers. Take a look at some of the others here:

Research Databases

How-To Video

How Do I Search JSTOR?

One of the greatest selling points of JSTOR is that it offers a sleek "Google-esque" interface with a single search box:

However, remember that JSTOR is still a library database. You'll have a lot more luck in searching if you begin with very general search terms -- often no more than one or two words on a general subject -- then you'll be able to utilize the host of tools following the initial search to narrow down your results. 

THIS    NOT THAT 

JSTOR Advanced Search

JSTOR offers many tools to assist your search beyond the basic search. Try out their ADVANCED SEARCH options as the first step beyond the obvious --