Many news and magazine publications offer "web-only content." These articles and other materials are available primarily to individual subscribers through the publication's website and are often not included in library database subscriptions. With the exception of a few institutional subscriptions to publications such as the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, library subscriptions are specifically cover print editions.
Sometimes web-only content is clearly labeled, but not always. One clue is the publication date. If an article has a specific date that does not correspond to a regular issue of the publication, it may be web-only content.
Can you access these materials without an individual subscription?
Sometimes. While access varies by publication, here are a few options that may help you obtain the full text through the publisher's website:
- Some web-only content is freely available online.
- Some websites allow a limited number of free article views each month and may use your web browser to track usage.
- The publication may offer a free trial that provides temporary access to subscriber-only content.