A print index is a book that lists articles by topic. An example of this type of index is The Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature. The print indexes are kept on the Index Tables in the Reference Department. The indexes normally start with a listing of the periodicals (magazines and journals) that have articles indexed. After the list of periodicals the index will list subjects in alphabetical order. Once you find your topic, select one of the articles. You must write down all the information about the article. Make sure to write down the author, article title, periodical title, volume number, issue number, page number, and publication date. Having this information will make finding the article easy. Once you select an article you will need to check OASIS (the electronic catalog) to make sure the library has the periodical. In Oasis select the title search, and search for the title of the periodical, not the article. If the library has it you can make a photocopy of the article. If the library doesn't have it, you can order the article through Interlibrary Loan.

Another way to find articles in the library is by using the electronic databases. Just think of the databases as huge lists of articles that are indexed on the computer instead of in a book!

The library has many different databases. Some contain general information, while others contain very subject specific information. To get to the databases if you are on campus select "All  Resources"  located under Articles & More on the library's homepage. If you are located off campus select the “Off Campus Link” located in the right hand column.  (If you select the off campus page you will be asked for your name and university ID before accessing the database) The next page you see will list all the databases alphabetically by title. If you are unsure which database to use, select the "Resources by Subject/Topic" option, also located as a link from the Library main menu; this will list the databases by the specific subjects they index. The library has over 100 different databases that can help you with your research! Remember that not all of the databases look the same, but most work the same. The screen will provide you boxes to put your search terms in, then you click on the search button, and you will be given a list of articles. If your subject is very rare, it may take you more time and work to find articles. Some databases offer the articles fulltext, that means you can actually print the article from the computer, no photocopy!

Please remember not all databases offer this, only the databases with a red FT next to their names do, though most databases are interconnected via the SFX link, which is a service that tells the user if another electronic service offeers the material full text. Remember that not every article will be available in full text. If you find an article that is not available full text, print out the citation, then check OASIS the electronic catalog, to see if the library has the journal or magazine.

Please feel free to ask the reference librarian on duty any questions you may have about either the print indexes or electronic databases. Remember we are here to help you!