How do I search PLoS?

Step 1:

Access PLoS.  This database stands for the "Public Library of Science," and it publishes several high-quality, peer-reviewed journals.  It provides them for free on the internet!  No login required.

Step 2:

Enter your search terms in the search box in the top right corner, and click Search.

Step 3:

Click the link on the right "Search PLOS Journals."  This will search all of their journal content.

Step 4:

Review the list of results, and click the article you want to read.

Step 5:

Review the article.  A few things to note: 1) This is the journal title, which is important for your citation.  2) Pay attention to the date of publication, especially if it's older and the information could be outdated.  3) Read the abstract to determine if the article is useful.  4) Download the PDF of the article to save it.

• PLoS is best used for topics related to health and life sciences.  If you don't find what you need, try these other databases for biology topics or nursing and health topics.  
• Doing research in other areas of science?  Check out our list of useful chemistry databases, physics databases, geology databases, or environmental science databases.