Periodicals can also be referred to as serials. Magazine contains news stories or articles on various subjects and written for a general audience. Typically includes a great deal of advertising. Often the subscription is free. They list author, title, name of periodical, volume, pages and date of publication.
Abstracts are indexes that also contain summaries of the content of the article.
Both indexes and abstracts are found in reference departments. A selection of specific books, periodical articles, videotapes, and other materials which faculty have indicated that students must read or view for a particular course. These materials are usually kept together in one area of the library and for the most part do not circulate. Subject Heading Words or phrases assigned to books and articles and used to index these items by topic. Determining the correct headings for a specific database or catalog is an important part of effective research.