Print access tools are an important point of access to information published prior to 1980. For certain types of materials they are the only access. Even if your topic is about a current issue, that issue has a history. Information on that history can be found through print access tools.

The main types of print access tools are:

• Indexes: access to periodical articles, technical reports, pamphlets, conference papers, etc. These will be discussed in this module.
• Directories: access to lists of individuals, companies, organizations, products, etc. See the Directories module.
• Bibliographies: access to references on a particular topic. See the Bibliographies module.
• Card Catalogs: access to materials found in small libraries, specialized collections, and archives.