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Databases of the Month: Online Newspapers and News Databases

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by Lisa Curtin
April 18, 2018

What should you do when you want to read a news article online and you've run into a paywall? Don't grab your credit card or spend valuable time searching Google for a "free" version of the article. We have or can get what you need! The library provides access to hundreds of thousands of newspaper articles and other news sources (e.g. newswires, TV and radio show transcripts, blogs, etc.) online via our subscriptions and databases.  Below is a roundup of our top news databases, but we have much more to offer. Visit our Current News Resources research guide for additional news resources provided by the library as well as free online news sources we recommend. Today’s News For when you want to read today's newspaper.

  • The New York Times online, NYTimes.com [registration required, create an account]. Includes online access to the Spanish and Chinese editions of the newspaper.
  • The Wall Street Journal online, WSJ.com [registration required, create an account]
  • Factiva Newsstand

Current News  These databases provide access to full-text from newspapers, newswires, TV and radio transcripts, and some news websites (e.g. CNN.com). Coverage generally runs 1980-present, but varies by database and publication.

Historical Newspapers Use these databases to retrieve articles from the 17th to the 20th century. All of these sources provide full HTML text and/or PDF reproductions and include digital images.

Locate a Specific Newspaper Just want to know where to get the Chicago Tribune or Telegram & Gazette?  Use the Journal Finder. Enter the name of the newspaper in the journal finder box and click [search]. The journal finder will tell you if the full-text is available, the database it can be found in, and the dates for which it is available. Print Editions Miss the smell of newsprint and ink smudges on your fingertips? The library subscribes to the print editions of The Boston Globe, The New York Times, The New York Times International Edition, People's Daily, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post. You can find them in the Current Periodicals area on the main level. Get Help Don't have time to comb through a bunch of different sources? Contact the Reference Desk! Reference librarians can quickly assess your options and help you obtain the publication or article you need. ________________________________________________________________ Database of the Month provides a very brief introduction useful library databases, highlighting key features you should know about. If you would like more information about these resources (or any of the library’s databases), please contact us for research assistance. If you would like a demonstration of these resources for a class, please schedule a research instruction class using the instruction request form.