Periodical articles are often the best sources for research, especially if your topic requires: recent information information on a specific topic  information on local issues  One of the biggest changes ever in library research has been the ability to get the full text of periodical articles using computerized services. Previously researchers were largely limited to the paper magazines a library subscribed to. Online full-text periodical indexes have greatly expanded access to articles.

Why Use Periodicals?

Books are usually better at giving thoughtful, historical information. Magazines and newspapers provide current, focused information, and specialized magazines and journals provide in-depth coverage.

Many topics do not have entire books written about them (or the specific information you need is buried within a book). However periodical articles are often about very specific topics. For example, our library only lists one book on the topic of "fire ants," but one of our indexes has over 90 articles on this topic. 

It isn't likely that a national publisher is going to write about local topics, such as the pollution of Barton Springs, but there will be many articles in newspapers and magazines. 

How Do I Start?

Step 1: Choose a topic  You must have some sort of topic to begin research. However it will often evolve as you do the  research.	Step 2: Choose keywords  Keywords describe your topic. Choosing good keywords can have a huge effect on getting good results. Computerized indexes are literal; they will only locate material that exactly matches your keywords. Start out being as specific as possible. If you need more, try more general words.	Step 3: Select an index  Indexes list periodical articles that match your keywords. Some indexes are general, good for almost any topic. (MasterFile is an example). Other indexes  concentrate on more specific topics (such as Business Source Premier ). Most of the indexes at ACC include the complete text of the articles.	Step 4: Evaluate your results  Once you locate the articles, you  must decide which ones match your needs. See the section on the back page entitled "Which articles should I choose." Remember, just  because you found it doesn't mean it's useful.

Which Index Do I Use?

The ACC libraries have about 50 online indexes. These can be accessed directly from the library computers. The web page that has a list of these by subject is library.austincc.edu/eresources/SubGen.htm. The page that has an alphabetical list of these databases is: library.austincc.edu/eresources/AtoZ.htm

These databases are restricted to ACC students and staff. If you want to access the indexes from off-campus, you will use your ACC eID.
 

When you find an article you want in an index, write down the following:  complete name of periodical date of the issue page numbers title of article volume and issue number (probably not needed to locate article, but some documentation styles require this)

 

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Which Article Should I Choose?

When looking at a list of periodical articles such as the one below, you can begin to decide which ones are more likely to be useful. 

excerpt courtesy of EBSCO Publishing

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Popular Magazines vs. Scholarly Journals

There is often a large difference between popular magazines and scholarly journals.

• Magazines don't offer deep background knowledge of a topic. Magazines also often cover a wide variety of subjects in each issue (such as Newsweek) or may specialize (Sports Illustrated). They may cover serious issues, but entertaining the reader is stressed. 
• Journals are written by and for scholars and emphasize original research. Facts and analysis are stressed over entertainment.
•  You may want also to consult our guide Magazine vs Journals in this study guide series.

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What if I can't find enough articles on my topic?

• Try different keywords.
• Try a different index.
• Talk to a librarian who may ideas that you may not have considered.
• Remember ACC students can get a TexShare card which allows access to many other libraries, including the University of Texas.