UC Libraries provide access to over 400 indexes and databases. These resources
provide access to articles, book reviews, and information that appear in magazines
and periodicals over a specific period of time. With so many indexes to choose
from, you might ask: what index is best for a particular research problem?
Here are some tips to help you determine the best index to fit your research
problem:
Subject Resources on the UL web page have links to major indexes in a particular field. Use these links to identify core indexes in a selected field.
In addition, it may be useful to consider the following points when reviewing
an index:
Coverage: What subjects are covered in the index? Is the index focused on a specific topic or a wide range of topics? Do not be misled by the name of an index. For example, Art Abstracts indexes many important planning journals.
What Periodicals are Indexed: Often your professor
might refer to an important periodical in your subject area. Most indexes
provide a list of periodical titles covered. You can determine the
value of the index by browsing the titles covered.
Time Period: Most online indexes cover a wide
time period. However, not all indexes cover the same times and it is
important to determine the years indexed before you begin your research process.
Currency: How frequently is the Index updated?
Monthly, quarterly or annually? This is particularly important
when you are focused on finding the most up-to-date information on a topic
Formats: Does the index cover only scholarly
journals or does it include popular magazines, newspapers, and books as well?
Selecting an index or database that covers a variety of formats of
materials is often very useful.