I've graduated, how do I access research now?

After you graduate and are no longer associated with UPEI, you will not be able to access our materials in the ways you have previously. This is due to copyright restrictions from the publishers and companies we work with to provide you with resources throughout your degree.

However, we recognize that having access to research is still important as a veterinarian trying to provide care based on accurate and relevant research. There are still ways to access research once you've graduated:

Visit your local library:

If you are practicing on PEI, you can always return to UPEI in person to use our resources. We have public computers that anyone can log in to, where you can access all our online resources. You can sign-up to be a community borrower which will allow you to borrow physical items, as well as request online articles through our ILL service. In most cases, community borrowers will not be charged for ILL, however, in rare circumstances, there may be a fee (you will be notified beforehand if you want to follow through).

If you do not live on PEI, reach out to a local post-secondary institution's library to see what access they allow public users. They may be able to provide access to some resources in-person, or provide InterLibrary Loan services for a cost.

Associations/Memberships:

Being involved in professional associations is not only important for your career and networking, it can also sometimes provide you with perks like journal subscriptions or databases/tool access.

Note: Many associations offer reduced fees to recent graduates!

Here are some associations and select publication/research perks they provide their members:

  • Canadian Veterinary Medical Association
    • 30% discount on Plumb's Veterinary Drugs
    • Online access to CVMA publications, The Canadian Veterinary Journal (The CVJ) and the Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research (CJVR)
    • Subscription to the monthly Global Digital Edition of Clinician’s Brief
  • American Veterinary Medical Association
    • Subscription to the print version of JAVMA, open access to AJVR, and access to exclusive online-only content, including a searchable archive of journal articles
  • Evidence Based Veterinary Medicine Association
    • Access to the most complete veterinary literature database, CAB VetMed Resource
    • Access to the point of care information tool, VetLexicon
  • Ontario Veterinary Medical Association
    • 10% discount on VIN membership
    • Focus Magazine – Mailed to all OVMA members bi-monthly and available online. Each issue is full of informative content about practice management, government/regulatory news and updates, financial management and how to make the most of your career, practice and well-being.
    • NewsHound e-newsletter – Provides timely veterinary news and updates by email
    • The  Compendium of Veterinary Products – Free for members who register

There are many other associations for specialists or different geographies. Make sure you look for others that may be able to offer you resources.

Free Resources:

There are many free online resources that can be useful to you after graduation:

  • Consultant
    • A free diagnostic support system created by Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
    • Provides clinical information on diseases in common domestic species arranged by body system. Contains sections on special topics such as emergency medicine, pharmacology, and zoonoses.
  • International Veterinary Information Services
    • This non-profit organization’s goal is to provide free access to quality, original, current veterinary information. Contents include fulltext IVIS books, proceedings, continuing education resources, and external links. Free registration is required.
  • Centre for Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine (CEVM)
    • Based at the University of Nottingham, this site provides  "information about on-going projects and useful resources for the veterinary profession to promote the use of Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine principles."
      • VetSRev is a database of citations for systematic reviews of relevance to veterinary medicine and science.
      • The database BestBETs for Vets contains reviews of current best evidence for simple, common and specific clinical questions.

Check out the web resources page for more. 

Alumni Access:

As a UPEI graduate, you can subscribe to our Alumni Premiere program to gain access to our resources.

Last updated: Aug 5, 2025

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