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Library Research at Caltech: Finding Periodicals

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Finding Periodicals

What Is A Periodical?

Periodicals are written resources that come out periodically
These resources may be released daily, monthly, bimonthly or quarterly. Some examples of periodicals are: Academic Journals, Newspapers, & Magazines. 


Why do you want to look at periodicals?
Popular periodicals, such as magazines or newspapers, offer accurate depictions of the time that they were published. They can often be used as primary sources. You may find some excellent photographs in Vogue, or a relevant article in The New York Times.

Academic periodicals, like journals, will give you an authoritative analysis of its topic. These journals are often 'peer-reviewed,' which means that other scholars in the field have vetted and approved it for publication.


How do I know if a citation is for a book or a periodical article?
Citations for journal articles will have the article's title, the journal's title, a volume & issue number. It does not have the name of a publisher or a location of publication.

Chicago Style Template & Example:

Author Last Name, Author First Name. "Article Title." Journal Name Volume # (Year Published): Page Numbers.

Teodorescu, Mirela. "Applied Biomimetics: A New Fresh Look of Textiles." Journal of Textiles 2014, no. 1 (2014): 1-9.

Finding a Specific Periodical

You can find a specific periodical -- a journal, newspaper, or magazine -- by searching for the periodical title in the Caltech Library search bar.


Our catalog may show your result at the top of the results page!


If your publication does not come up right away, you can go to Publication Finder on the left-hand side of the screen.
Publication Finder will use your search terms to search publications only.

Finding a Specific Article

If your professor asks you to find a specific article, they may give you a citation like this:
Teodorescu, Mirela. "Applied Biomimetics: A New Fresh Look of Textiles." Journal of Textiles 2014, no. 1 (2014): 1-9.
You can find this article by searching for the title, "Applied Biomimetics: A New Fresh Look of Textiles" in the search bar on the Caltech Library website.

What To Do If We Don't Have A Periodical

If we do not have a periodical at Caltech Library, you can request it through Docuserve
DocuServe is an information delivery service available to Caltech faculty, students, and staff. We participate in resource sharing partnerships and networks to provide you with alternative access to materials that we do not own or subscribe to. DocuServe includes InterLibrary Loan, document delivery, and more.


What can I request? 
Request materials related to your research, teaching, study, or employment at Caltech, such as books, journal articles, book chapters, theses, or media. We are not able to provide textbooks through DocuServe, but Course Reserves may be able to help.


How much does it cost? 
No charge for article, book, or book chapter requests. Some items like patents and standards require a charge which varies per item.


How long does delivery take? 
Most journal article requests are fulfilled within 48 hours. Physical items are usually delivered within one week.


How do I access the material? 
Once the item arrives, you will be notified via email, and you can check out the request at Sherman Fairchild Library (SFL) Circulation Desk. Access articles and book chapters through email.