Printed indexing and abstracting services

It is likely that your Library subscribed to printed versions of indexing and abstracting services before these became available electronically. They can still be useful - especially when you are looking for older information. Ask your Librarian for help on how to use these as well as where to find them.

When using the printed indexes you can only search by subject (or author - although searching by author is often only relevant on master's or doctorate research level). If you only want articles from periodicals in the library you are using, you must have a list of periodicals available at that library at hand, so that you can immediately eliminate articles that are available.

When using printed indexes you have to photocopy the page(s) with the relevant references or write down the information. Very important: when you write down the information you have to ensure that you write down all the information required to find the article - be very precise and complete:

	Author		Title of article		Title of periodical
	Volume number of periodical		Date of the periodical		The page references

Here are some titles of printed indexes, periods covered and shelf numbers. Each Library will have different printed indexes available. Ask your Librarian for help or further explanation!

	Current contents: agriculture, biology and environmental sciences		1996-2001 ceased		PER
	Current contents: life sciences		1988-1997 ceased		PER
	Sociological Abstracts		1987-current		PER
	Psychological Abstracts		1993-current		PER
	Old Testament Abstracts		1996-current		PER