How I’m Getting FULL Access to LIMITED Access Literature Eziaha’s Research Memoirs: #JourneyToPhD Part 8

Hey Scholars!

We’re riding strong on this scholarly path, and something happened recently that made me soooo happy, I just had to share!

If you’ve ever attempted a Literature Review, you know it’s a big deal. Like, stress-eating-cashew-nuts level big.

You find a brilliant article online, only to hit the wall: “Limited Access, Purchase Required.”

Ugh. Instant frustration!

Now, yes, my school library (UNILAG, shout-out!) subscribes to several databases, but we still don’t get access to everything. And trust me, some of the juiciest articles always seem locked away behind those digital paywalls.

Recently, during a Carnegie workshop, I asked Prof. Kunnuji whether I could still cite parts of an article I do have access to, even if it’s not the full paper. He gave a thoughtful answer but wasn’t fully comfortable with it. Instead, he dropped a gem:

“If UNILAG doesn’t have access, reach out to colleagues or friends in other universities, especially abroad. They most likely do.”

Basically, we should leverage relationships.

At first, I rolled my eyes (in my mind, respectfully). Easy for you to say, Prof, you’ve been in academia forever! We don’t have friends ooo

But then I checked myself. Eziaha, girl, you’ve got a growth mindset. Make it work.

And guess what?

Lightbulb moment!

I realized I have friends currently pursuing PhDs abroad. So I sent them a few article links with “limited access,” and just like that… they sent me the full PDFs.

Whoooooosh. Real academic miracles!

This tiny shift has been a complete game-changer in my lit review, yes, for my current project, but also for my entire #JourneyToPhD.

The lesson?

When you hit a brick wall, ask questions.

Ask your lecturers.
Ask your course mates.
Ask your fellow scholars online.
Just ask.

The simple questions we’re afraid or too shy to ask might have such low-hanging game-changing answers

And oh, when workshops, webinars, or seminars are announced (especially like the ones I spoke about here and here), please show up. These are golden opportunities to gather gems, ask Qs, and connect with fellow scholars.

The PhD life especially can feel lonely, but you don’t have to go it alone.