How to Find Articles in Periodicals
  1. Use a periodical index.
  2. Record the citation for the article.
  3. Find the periodical in the library.
  4. Read/copy the article.
  5. Read/print/e-mail/download online articles.


Step 1: Use a periodical index.

If you don't know if or where articles on your topic have been published, you should use a periodical index. The library has many printed indexes and electronic indexes (databases). Select the index(es) that is most suitable for your topic. Access most electronic indexes through the library's web page (exlibris.memphis.edu). Click on Electronic Databases to get an alphabetical list of available electronic databases. Not all of these databases index periodicals, however. You may use Periodical Index Databases By Academic Area to help you select an electronic periodical index, or you can ask library staff to suggest a printed index related to your subject area. Use appropriate terms and use various strategies to search the chosen indexes. Consult user guide or ask library staff for assistance if needed.

Step 2: Record the citation for the article.

If the article is provided full text online, go to Step 5. If it is not full text, you will need to find the print copy of the periodical. In order to do this, first you must copy or print the complete citation(s) for the article(s) you want to read:
  1. The name of the author
  2. The title of the article
  3. The full name of the periodical
  4. The volume number
  5. The issue/date of publication
  6. The page numbers on which the article appears.

Step 3: Find the periodical in the library.*

Find and open the telnet version of the library catalog (tomCat). (If asked for a username, type in library.) Select "Title" from the Find menu. When the search box opens, type in the full name of the periodical. If the library subscribes to the periodical, there will be an entry in the catalog for it. If more than one entry is displayed, press the record number on the left of the item wanted to display the record. For complete holdings information and locations, press L, then 1, then 1 again. (For an illustrated explanation, see How to Find Periodicals)

In the McWherter Library, most volumes are located on the second floor. The current volumes (unbound) and older volumes kept in paper (bound) are shelved alphabetically by name of the periodical. The volumes kept in microformat are filed in cabinets. Go to the service desk in the area to get assistance if needed.
*U of M students, staff and faculty may use the Interlibrary Loan Office to obtain copies of articles from periodicals our library does not own. Visit Room 204 in McWherter Library or call 901-678-2262.

Step 4: Read/copy the article.

Periodicals are not checked out of the library. There are many places in the library where you may comfortably read and take notes. If you want a personal copy, you may use one of several copiers located in the library. Use your U of M ID as a copy card or purchase a copy card from the machines located in the copy rooms on the first and second floors.

Step 5: Read/print/e-mail/download online articles.

Some databases provide full texts of articles in periodicals. Follow instructions given in the databases for retrieving or e-mailing the text. Printing from terminals in the library requires payment with a U of M ID or a purchased copy card. You must furnish your own DOS-formatted disks for downloading.

To download articles to a disk, insert the disk into the computer A drive. Go to "File" and click on "Save As." Select the A drive on the top pull-down menu and the file type on the bottom pull-down menu. You may also change the file name. Click on "Save." If you need assistance, please ask staff at the nearest information desk.

Photocopy machines are located in both the Periodicals Department and in the Microforms Area. Use your U of M ID as a copy card or purchase a copy card in machines located on the first and second floor copy rooms.

Periodicals not owned by the U of M Libraries may be available in other local libraries. Ask at the Periodicals Desk for assistance in locating other libraries that may own them or in getting copies from other sources.

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Created by Janell Rudolph. Updated August 24, 2001