Q. I think the library has access to this electronic database, but when I try to open a full-text file for an article, I am asked to pay a fee. Why?

Library Search is a discovery search tool.

• If you used Library Search, you may find yourself clicking on a Linked Full Text icon that leads to an e-journal's website for which we do not have a paid subscription.  This can happen because a discovery search tool is designed to inform you of as many resources out there as possible, not just the ones we own or have full access to. 

  • This tends to happen most often for science resources?

  • You should not agree to pay for the article or for a subscription. 

  • You can place a request for the article through Request It.  Use the link on the library's home page and enter the relevent citation information. 

Another Possibility

• If you went directly to a database website instead of going through the library's website, you are more likely to have accessibility issues.  For example, if you are on a computer off campus and go right to the JSTOR website, you may not be able to open full-text content that is available to you when going to JSTOR through the A to Z List of All Databases link on the library's website.

If you are still having problems accessing fulltext content that you believe should be available to you, please use the Ask a Librarian link....