Print indexes provide citations.  A citation is the information that completely identifies a specific publication -- a magazine, journal, or newspaper article.  The citations in print indexes usually include the author, title of the article, title of the publication, volume, issue, date of publication, and the page numbers.  The first few pages of each index tool usually includes instructions for using the index and explanation of the abbreviations used within the citations.  You will find it much easier to use  the index if you take a few minutes to look over these instructions.

Some libraries have print indexes, some libraries have electronic indexes (databases) and some libraries have both.  The PCC Library has The Readers' Guide to Periodical Literature print index and the New York Times print index on the Winter Haven Campus and has several general and subject specific electronic indexes as well.

Readers' Guide to Periodical Literature Readers' Guide to Periodical Literature is an example of a general index.  This resource indexes magazines on a wide variety of subjects.  The PCC Library has Readers' Guide from 1900 - to present day. You will find this general index to periodicals in the reference collection of the Winter Haven Campus Library. The call number is REF AI 3 .R48.

Sample Citation Entries

Use The Readers Guide to find an article on your research topic.

Take a look at the sample citation entries and introductory information about using The Readers' Guide to Periodical Literature which is printed within the first few pages of the index itself.

For the citation example to the right... What is the title of the article? Who is the author? What does "por" mean? Can this article be found in the library?  * In print? microfilm? electronically?
For the citation example to the right... What is the title of the article? What is the title of the magazine? What year was this article published? Will you find this article in the library? * In print? microfilm? electronically?

Now, look for an article on your topic.  

1.  What is your topic?  Under what subject heading(s) or related subject heading do you expect to find articles on your topic?
   
   
2. Select the date(s) you would like to search. 
    
   
3. Was your topic listed in the index?  Did you find your topic under the subject headings you chose?
   
   
4. If your subject was not listed under the subject headings you chose, "broaden" your topic or ask the librarian for assistance.  What are your new subject headings?
   
   
5. Did the index provide "See References" to other subject headings?  What were they?
   
   
6. Of the citations you found, which articles are available in periodicals within the PCC Library? *
   
   
7. Make a copy of one of the citations you found on your topic.  Obtain a copy of this article from the library's print collection, microfilm collection, electronic database, or by interlibrary loan.

* Remember the library does not subscribe to every title that is indexed in the Readers' Guide.  Check the Periodical Holdings List for your library to see what periodicals are available.  Periodicals may be stored in print form or in microfilm.

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