Periodicals/Journals

Definition of a Periodical

A periodical is an ongoing publication with a distinctive title, which comes out in issues at regular intervals e.g. daily, weekly, fortnightly, monthly etc. Each issue of a periodical contains articles, which are written by different authors. The information is generally more up-to-date than in a book. Included within the definition of periodicals are journals, magazines, serials and newspapers. Journals are refereed, which means that articles submitted for publication go before a panel of experts i.e. peer-reviewed, before being accepted for publication. They are academic in content and reflect current thinking and research. Magazines are not refereed, are less academic in content.

Periodical Collection

The Library subscribes to a comprehensive range of periodicals. Some of these are in print format, while an increasing number of periodicals are available electronically and are known as electronic journals. The electronic journals are accessible from the Electronic Journals page. The core print collection of periodicals is located on level 2 in the John Paul II Library. These are shelved in alphabetical order by title of the periodical within four collections:

• Arts
• Science and Engineering
• Social Science
• Theology

Where a print title is also available electronically, this is indicated by the letter E against the title tag. Please note that only some back issues are available electronically.

Some infrequently-used print periodicals are housed in the Kildare Store and may be requested for transfer to the Library on application at the Desk on level 1. Pre-1900 periodicals are housed in the Russell Library and may be consulted there by application at the Desk on level 1.

Locating and Borrowing Periodicals

The library catalogue lists all print and some electronic journals held by the Library. It is accessible from all PCs in the Library and any PC with internet access. A comprehensive guide to locating periodicals is available online or from the display stand near the Desk on level 1. For further information on borrowing please refer to the Borrowing page.

While a number of electronic journals are not listed on the library catalogue they are accessible from the Electronic Journals page. The listing allows you to access an article by following links from the title to the full-text of the article. A guide to electronic journals is available online

Newspapers

Current issues of print newspapers are available from display racks on level 1. Immediate back issues are in closed access and may be requested at the Periodicals Office on level 2. Versions of many newspapers are now available electronically. The Library subscribes to electronic versions of the Irish Times and Times. These and a number of other newspapers may be accessed via the Newspapers on the Internet.

Enquiries

The Periodicals Office on level 2 is open for enquiries during office hours.

Contact: Val Payne, tel: 7086694, e-mail: val.payne@nuim.ie