How to Find Periodicals

Finding a Specific Article

To find an article for which you have a citation, go to the SDSU Citation Linker and follow the instructions to search our collections for the journal containing the article.

Finding a Specific Periodical

The easiest way to find out if the Library has a specific periodical is the SDSU Periodicals Locator. It provides linked access to electronic magazines, journals, and newspapers, either as stand-alone electronic titles, or as part of aggregated databases. The list also points to the library's online catalog (the PAC) via the "SDSU Holdings" link for titles in print, microform, or other non-print formats. The catalog record will provide you with a periodical's call number(s), format(s), location(s), and years available.

Finding Periodical Articles on A Topic

Individual articles in periodicals may be found by using article databases.

Ask a reference librarian for assistance in locating and using the most appropriate resources.

Many of our article databases link directly to articles via the service. You can read more about this service here. In databases where this service is not available, copy or print the complete citation, i.e., the full (unabbreviated) title of the periodical, the volume number, the page numbers and the date, then use the Citation Linker to find the article.

Current Issues of Periodicals

Current periodicals are located in the Current Periodicals & Microforms Center on Love Library First Floor and are shelved by call number.

Periodicals issued by U.S., California, and United Nations government agencies are located on Love Library Third Floor.

If you cannot find a current issue, ask at the desks in Current Periodicals or Reference Services, or call the Information Desk at 619-594-6728 for assistance.

Back Issues of Periodicals

Many back issues of periodicals (generally those over one year old) are bound in hard cover and shelved in a different area from the current issues.

All bound periodicals (except for government publications--see below) from 1986 forward are located on Love Library First Floor in the bound periodicals area. All bound periodicals prior to (except for government publications--see below)1986 are located on Love Library Fifth Floor.
Periodicals issued by U.S., California and United Nations government agencies are located in the Government Publications & Maps Division on Love Library Third Floor
Materials sent to the bindery can be tracked by date on the Binding Shipment Information page
Some back issues are in microform and are located either in the Microforms Center on Love Library First Floor or in Government Publications on Love Library Third Floor. The location of microforms is determined by the location of the current issues. If the current issues are on the First or Third, then so, too, will be the microform.

Check the library's online catalog, (the PAC) for location and call number for a specific periodical in microform.

To Locate a Missing Periodical Volume

If a volume is not on the shelf or in the reshelving area after several attempts to find it, complete a search request form at the Circulation Desk in the Library Addition. You will be notified when the volume is found.

To Locate a Periodical Not in the SDSU Library

If the Library does not own the periodical you want, you may want to:

contact Interlibrary Loan. Photocopies of periodical articles can usually be obtained from other libraries. This is a free service and you do not need to know which library owns the item that you need.
check the holdings of other libraries. If you need something immediately, it may be faster to drive to another library than to use Interlibrary Loan.