How to Find Journals

To Search Duke Libraries for a particular journal:

• Search the online catalog
  • Use title search (i.e. American Journal of Archaeology)
  • Catalog record will include all paper holdings
  • Catalog record will include link to online full-text if available
• Search the e-journals finder
  • Enter the title
  • Searches for journals or periodicals we have in online full-text only – will not show paper holdings

To Locate Current Unbound Journals:

• Perkins/Bostock Library: The Current Periodicals and Newspapers area is located on the first floor of Bostock.  Current journal issues are shelved in this area until items are either bound or are replaced in microfilm or microfiche.
  
• Lilly Library: Current issues of journals specific to Lilly's collections (the arts and philosophy) are shelved in alphabetical order in Room 113 of the Lilly Library on East Campus.
  
• Biological and Environmental Sciences Library: Current, unbound periodicals may be found in alphabetical order by title in the reading room on the main floor of the library.
  
• Music Library: Current unbound issues of music-related journals are shelved alphabetically in bins along the left-hand wall of the periodicals room in the Music Library, 113 Mary Duke Biddle Music Building, East Campus.
  
• Vesic Library: Selected current, unbound journals are on display racks on the main floor of Vesic Library.  The displays are arranged by subject (engineering, mathematics, and physics), and then alphabetically by journal title.  Earlier unbound issues are stored on the shelf under the display rack.  Current issues of journals not selected for display are arranged by title in the basement of Vesic Library.
  

To Locate Bound Journal Volumes:

Journal issues pre-dating the current year are bound into volumes and shelved in the stacks.

• Perkins/Bostock Library: Due to renovations, journals may be located in several different areas. Check the Book Locations web page second chart for the most up-to-date information about where journals in Perkins/Bostock are currently being housed.
  
• Branch Libraries: Other campus libraries contain bound journals for their special subject areas. The online catalog will refer you to the relevant library. Locations of bound journals in the branch libraries include:
  • Lilly: Room 07, Lilly basement. A limited number of items are in the locked stacks; ask for them at the Circulation Desk.
  • Biology and Environmental Sciences: Top and middle level stacks.
  • Music: In the periodicals room.
  • Vesic: In the basement stacks.
    
• Library Service Center: Some older journals are stored off-campus in the Library Service Center. Request an entire volume using the "Request" link in the online catalog, or request a specific article using the web form.
  

Frequently asked Questions

What does this journal abbreviation stand for?

• Ask for the book Periodical Title Abbreviations at the Reference Desk, Perkins first floor
• Contact the Reference Desk and ask them to check it for you

How do I find out what journals cover my topic?

• Search the online catalog
  • Use keywords for your topic, and limit the search to the materials Journal/Serial
  • Use Subject Headings [your topic] – Periodicals
    (i.e. Ontario – Antiquities – Periodicals)

What is a scholarly journal?

• Scholarly Journals vs. Popular Magazines