Step 1: Finding Journal and Magazine Articles

Find References to Relevant Articles Using Periodical Indexes and Abstracts

Trying to find articles on a specific topic by skimming through the contents of periodicals on the library's shelves is often time-consuming and unproductive, especially so when:

...the topic is not written about very often.

...the topic is very specific.

...you do not know which periodicals are likely to contain the articles that you want.

The best way to find articles on a specific topic is to use periodical indexes. The Library subscribes to numerous periodical indexes in both electronic and printed form. Indexes regularly scan the contents of periodicals and provide information about the articles within those journals, magazines, and newspapers. Some electronic indexes provide the full text of the articles as well.

Indexes typically allow you to search for articles by subject or author.
Electronic (database) indexes typically allow additional access points, such as journal title and keyword.
Some indexes--called abstracts--provide a summary of each article as well as the basic bibliographic information.
Most indexes and abstracts are updated regularly, often monthly, and contain information going back several years.

General and Specialized Periodical Indexes

General Periodical Indexes - indexes and abstracts, such as the Readers' Guide to Periodical Literature and Periodical Abstracts, that cover periodicals in many fields and interests.
Specialized Periodical Indexes - indexes and abstracts, such as Social Sciences Index and PsycInfo, that cover periodicals in certain scholarly groupings or specific disciplines only.

How to Find Indexes and Abstracts in the Library

The University of Akron Libraries subscribe to hundreds of periodical indexes and abstracts. Many of these are electronic and available through library networks.
Computerized indexes and abstracts can be accessed from most computer workstations in the libraries, and by connecting to the library through the campus network or the Web. Due to licensing requirements, most are restricted to use with a UANet ID.

Click here to access many electronic indexes, abstracts, and databases available at the University of Akron Libraries.

The library also provides access to an increasing number of full-text electronic versions of journals. For access to several collections of electronic journals, please click here.

Some indexes and abstracts are available in printed format only. Most printed indexes and abstracts are located in the INDEX section on the First Floor of Bierce Library and in the INDEX section on the First Floor of the Science and Technology Library.

Ask a librarian if you need help in selecting or locating periodical indexes, abstracts, or databases.

Please proceed to...

STEP 2:

Take down the necessary information from the index or abstract.