University of Michigan-Flint

A: Through one of several methods:

• Use an online periodical index. Periodical indexes are listed on each subject page (use the pull-down menu "Periodical indexes & web resources by subject" on the homepage) and cross-listed alphabetically.

  These indexes contain citations to articles from magazines and journals that may or may not be owned by the Thompson Library, and many have articles online. Those that do not usually have links to Journal Finder that you can follow to see if the article is online or available in print locally. Look for this icon: or the words "Find full text" or something similar.

• Use a print index. Some indexes are available only in print, particularly early years of many online databases, as well as some for which no online equivalent is available. A subject-based list of print indexes at the Thompson Library is available online.

• Browse the periodical shelves on the third floor of the Thompson Library. This is sometimes a good way to generate ideas for term paper topics, read for pleasure, and to begin getting your feet wet in the literature of a discipline. However, for research, it is strongly recommended that you consult periodical indexes. Although browsing may be the easiest research method in the short run, the quality of your work will suffer from such a haphazard approach. The time you invest in learning how to search the electronic and print indexes will more than pay for itself in better research and better grades.