So, you have found a potentially useful periodical article. First, you need to know which of the five basic types of periodicals your article comes from. This will tell you something about the type of information it contains and the level of confidence you can have in its reliability.
Review the five basic
types of periodicals
and their essential characteristics.
Periodicals may be in print, in electronic format, or in microform. Regardless of the format, you need to assess the reliability and usefulness of the information. However, the format can affect how you find indications of reliability. In general,
- if the periodical is in print or microform, look for indicators of reliability in the issue containing your article.
- if the periodical is in electronic format and you are in its home web site, look for links that lead you to the indicators of reliability.
- if the article is in a full-text electronic index, you will only see the article itself. Look at the index's list of periodicals indexed. This list will give you some of the information you need. For the rest of the information, find a print copy of the periodical, consult
Ulrich's International Periodicals Directory
which your library will have in either print or electronic format, or ASK A LIBRARIAN for help.
