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

Since thousands of indexes exist, beginning researchers often have trouble choosing an appropriate index for their topic. Librarians are always eager to guide you to the right index, but if you want to choose on your own, ask yourself the following questions:

• In what subject area(s) does my topic belong? Science? History? Literature? Education? Business? Social Science?
  
• What indexes cover my subject/topic and which libraries make them available?
  
• Is a general index likely to cover this topic well enough, or will I have to use a more specialized subject index?
  
• What time period does my topic involve and which indexes cover those years? Will I need to use a print index?
  
• Do I need articles from the scholarly and professional literature? If so, which subject index would be most likely to cover my topic?