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Newspapers: Overview

More on Primary Sources

Discover Newspapers in our Libraries

SMU Libraries has newspapers in print, online, and on microfilm.

  • For quick searches, you can find newspaper articles by topic in Library Search, but not everything is available this way.
  • For more in-depth research, use newspaper databases, which have specific filters helpful for finding newspaper content, including filtering by day and year and searching within the headline. Find more on searching for historical newspapers.

Search by Title

Look up newspapers by title in Journal Search, linked from the top of the Library Search page.

  •  Pay attention to the years listed in the record to ensure it is for the year you need. You may need to look at multiple records for different date ranges.
  • Newspapers may change names over time, so look for the section "Related titles" in the record.

Accessible transcript 

Shortened text directions

Get the Newspaper

Online Newspapers

In Library Search, look for the Read Article, Download PDF, or Available Online link. Or in the View Online section, select any database name as any option should work.

In database records, look for a link to the Full Text, a PDF, or HTML. If a database does not have full text, select “Other SMU Options” to see if we have it in another database or in a print journal. If we don’t, sign in to your account and click “Request from Another Institution” to borrow it through Interlibrary Loan.

Screenshot of database record

Print or Microfilm

Not all newspapers are available digitally. Find the library location of print and microfilm in the Library Search record under “Get It." Click the location to find the dates that are available. Journals are usually arranged alphabetically on the shelf.

Some newspapers are only available to use in the library and can’t be checked out. The record will note that it is “limited access” or “non-circulating”. You may need to ask at the holding library’s desk. Special Collections often require an appointment to see materials.

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Newspaper Databases