Skip to Main Content
Go to Penn Libraries homepage   Go to Guides homepage

Talking to Science Deniers: Critical Writing Program Fall 2024: What to Do When You Are Stuck

What to do when you are stuck

Even the most seasoned researchers get stuck. That is part of the discovery process of research.

A few suggestions:

  • Change things up: try a different kind of database, change your keywords, try a citation chase 
  • Talk to your professor or TA: they are researchers and can help direct you
  • Email or make an appointment with a subject librarian such as Nick Okrent

What do I do if I hit a paywall? 

Using Penn subscribed databases sends you through the Libraries "proxy." The proxy is the key that unlocks the subscription paywalls. You should never have to pay for a journal article. Talk to your librarian if you run into trouble connecting to an article.  99% of the time they can help you get the article quickly.

To avoid paywalls:

  • Connect to databases through library guides like this one or through Franklin Catalog. 
  • Set Lean Library up in your browser--The Lean Library Library Access Browser Extension allows you to easily connect to Penn Libraries' licensed content from your laptop or desktop computer when off-campus. 
  • Use Google Scholar Advanced settings to recognize your Penn affiliation.
    • Click the three short lines or "hamburger' in the right hand corner 
    • Click settings > library links > Search for University of Pennsylvania in the search box > check University of Pennsylvania - Full Text via Penn Text > save

    google scholar settings  

If we don't have direct access to an article or book chapter, you can "Email me a chapter or section" (the Libraries will make a copy from  the collection or request from another library--turn around time can be quick!) or request books from "Pick up at Van Pelt" which, if we don't have available at Penn, will trigger a request to request from one of our partner libraries. Log into the Libraries' collections catalog to see all of your options. 

Penn Libraries catalog record showing "request an item"

Penn Libraries Home Search the Catalog
(215) 898-7555