LESSON 6 CONTENTS:

Learning Objectives

Part One: Periodical Literature

I. The Importance of Periodical Literature in Research

II. Types of Periodicals

III. Electronic Journals

IV. Types of Periodical Articles

Part Two: Periodical Indexes

V. General and Subject Periodical Indexes

VI. Print and Computerized Periodical Indexes

VII. Choosing the Right Index

VIII. General Guidelines for Using Periodical Indexes

IX. Interpreting Periodical Citations

X. Key Points to Remember

Lesson Six Quiz

Lesson Six Exercise

Periodical indexes are available in both print and computerized format. A periodical index in computerized form is a common type of bibliographic database and is routinely used in research. Many computerized periodical indexes offer the full-text of some or all of the articles listed. (“Full-text” means the entire content of the article is there for you to display on the screen, print, download, or email.) This is a very convenient feature since it makes finding the actual paper copy of the publication unnecessary. If the full-text is not available, most indexes will offer an abstract (summary) with the citation.

Even though computerized indexes have become a standard tool in research, it is good to know when you might need to use print periodical indexes. In general, no computerized periodical index includes articles published before 1980. Therefore, if you are researching a topic that was in the news or widely discussed prior to 1980, your best choice would be a print index. For example, if you wanted a magazine article describing the moon landing written at the time it occurred (1969), you would have to consult a print index.