How do I find articles by an author?

One way to try to find articles by a specific author is to use our multi-database search tool found on the Library homepage. 

Note about author names in Library databases:

Databases typically use the following formats:

• lastname, firstname  (e.g., Jefferson, Thomas)

• lastname, first initial  (e.g., Jefferson, T)

Typing in the author name in the firstname lastname format (e.g., Thomas Jefferson) will usually get you articles about the person, instead of articles written by them.

You can follow these steps to search by author name. 

1. On the  Library homepage, type the author's name in the search box and click search. 
    

   Tip: Expand your search terms by including variations of the author's name, including both the full first name and initials. Connect the name variations with OR.

   Examples of how one author has his name listed:

   Maslow, Abraham

   Maslow, Abraham H

   Maslow, AH

   Maslow, A. H.

2. Type the variations of the name into the first search box. For example:
    

   Maslow, Abraham OR Maslow, A. H.

3. Change the drop-down menu next to the first search box to AU Author.
   
   Tip: If the author has a common name (e.g., John Watson), add topic keywords to the other search boxes. Adding additional terms to your search helps to narrow results to the specific author you want to find.
    
4. Click Search.

Here is an example of a search set up: 

In the first search box:  Watson, John

Change Select a Field (optional) next to the first search box to: AU Author using the dropdown.

In the second search box: behaviorism

More Information:

• How do I find books by an author in the Library?

• How do I find dissertations or capstones by author?

• Learn about Google Scholar advanced search options (including author name)
   

Do you have other Library questions?  Ask a Librarian!