Tip: Accessing Journal Articles without Excessive Cost 2

[LiftDivergence]

This is a very broad tip, but I'm posting it here given the nature of the specific article I'm referencing.

This a tactic for accessing technical articles which is often overlooked, but has been highlighted in my case due to the ongoing library closures.

Most libraries use a service called OCLC Article Exchange. Through requests you can normally obtain copies of journal articles for free or at the most a small Inter-Library Loan fee.

An example:
I had been poking around and come across a couple articles which I found interesting. One of them is here:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1023/A:1007654107620

"Analysing the onset of multiple site damage at mechanical joints"
They want 40 USD for it.

First thing I thought...I'll just go to my local university library, I know they have the International Journal of Fracture, and scan the article myself. Well I can't do that right now for obvious reasons.

Now, most articles like this only exist in public libraries in the form of bound periodicals, which cannot be checked out or exchanged via ILL.

However, most libraries have a journal scan request system and many have electronic journal subscriptions.

I put in a scan request with the relevant info to my local library... less than 24 hours later I receive a secure link to OCLC, it is a perfect copy. There would have been a 5 USD fee, but that is waived right now.

Bottom line - if you are someone who has tried to find articles online and are consistently put off by the Springer or Elsevier etc paywall, don't forget about your library! Odds are very good they will provide you with a copy for free or a small fraction of the price!

Disclaimer: I live in a big city where the library is very good. You're mileage may vary.

Keep em' Flying
//Fight Corrosion!

 

[Sparweb]

Unfortunately for me...

Due to COVID-19, ### Libraries' spaces and materials are restricted to ### Students, Faculty, and Staff. ### Libraries' are not issuing Community, TAL, or COPPUL cards...

I am not an alumni of the local university. Shame on me for moving to another city.

Please remember: we're not all rednecks!

http://www.sparweb.ca

 

[Sparweb]

Haha, but my son is a student at the local college, and THEY have access to the same IEEE journals.

Please remember: we're not all rednecks!

http://www.sparweb.ca

 

[LiftDivergence]

Public libraries should do this as well. For example, the scans were provided to me by Seattle Public Library. However, I agree, universities typically have better selection when it comes to this type of material.

Keep em' Flying
//Fight Corrosion!

 

[WKTaylor]

Also, most corporate libraries can get access to almost any technical documents.

Regards, Wil Taylor
o Trust - But Verify!
o We believe to be true what we prefer to be true. [Unknown]
o For those who believe, no proof is required; for those who cannot believe, no proof is possible. [variation,Stuart Chase]
o Unfortunately, in science what You 'believe' is irrelevant. ["Orion", Homebuiltairplanes.com forum]

 

[IRstuff]

Every company I've worked for has gotten rid of their corporate library; hmm, wonder if I'm the common factor ;-)

TTFN (ta ta for now)
I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKorP55Aqvg

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