Using Periodical Indexes and Bibliographies

Introduction

Choosing Your Topic

Conducting a Preliminary Search

Narrowing Your Topic

Defining a Research Question

Developing a Working Bibliography

Finding Sources in a Library

Asking Questions about Your Library

Using Your Library Catalog

Using Reference Materials

Using Periodical Indexes and Bibliographies

Periodical Indexes

Bibliographies

Using Microform Reference Resources

Using Government Documents

Using Pamphlets and Annual Reports

Using Interlibrary Loan

Working with Librarians

Finding Sources on the Internet

Finding Sources in the Field

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Using Periodical Indexes and Bibliographies

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Sometimes writers head straight to the catalog and try to find all of their research sources there. Frequently they are disappointed — the books are too old, or there is nothing listed on their specific topic. If this happens to you, you may be looking in the wrong place. Often there is more information on certain topics — particularly current ones — published in the form of periodicals than in books. Periodicals are journals, magazines, newspapers, and other publications that are issued at regular intervals. Several indexes – print and electronic – exist to help you track down articles in periodicals. Another option is to use a bibliography (a list of sources on a particular topic) to lead you to relevant sources. Often you will find sources in bibliographies that you would never have thought to look up in a catalog.

Click on the items below to learn more about using periodical indexes and bibliographies

Periodical Indexes

Bibliographies

Writing Guides

An Introduction to Research Processes

Using Periodical Indexes and Bibliographies