How do I find an article using Print Periodical Indexes?
A PERIODICAL INDEX is a list, by subject and author, of the articles published in a selected number of magazines over a given period of time. To find magazine articles on a particular topic using a print index, follow the steps below.
- State your subject
(E.g. The use of DNA fingerprinting in solving crimes) - Choose a suitable index
Periodical Indexes are divided into two types:- I) General interest - which cover a wide range of subjects and magazines (E.g. Canadian Periodical Index or the Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature)
- ii) Subject oriented - which cover magazines dealing with a specific subject field (E.g. Applied Science and Technology Index or the Social Sciences Index)
- Think of some key words to describe your topic. Look these up in alphabetical sequence.
- In our example when we look under "DNA Fingerprinting" we are told to look under "Identification" (DNA fingerprinting. See Identification)
- Take note of any relevant references
- Write the references out in full by consulting
- I) the sample entry
- ii) The list of word abbreviations used at the beginning
- iii) The list of magazine title abbreviations used.
IDENTIFICATION -------Subject
Title ----------Blueprint of life: DNA fingerprinting helps Author
Nail an Edmonton murderer. Bill Johnson.
il. Alberta Report 19 no 13 (Mr 23 '92):p19
- Check the Algonquin Periodicals Union Listing
- This includes an alphabetical list of all the magazines held by all the Algonquin
- Resource Centres. It tells you what issues are available and at which campuses.
- Locate a copy of your magazine
- If it is available at another campus, ask the Main Desk staff to get a copy of the article for you. If it is not available from any Algonquin Resource Centre ask the Main Desk staff to try to get a copy of the article from an outside library.