More than one search may be needed to locate a guide in a particular subject area. Journal entries in subject-specific guides will denote whether published articles are reviewed and of a scholarly nature. Information about the nature of a particular journal may also be obtained by reading the opening pages of an issue of the publication. In most scholarly publications the purpose of the journal and publication requirements will be outlined for the benefit of scholars in the field. This source provides a description of journals and their suitability to scholarly research.
Entries also provide information about where the journals are indexed.
History is a broad subject, therefore, it is sub-divided into various geographical locations and time periods through the use of additional letters and numbers, which are represented in the LC call number associated with the particular area. The single letter designation will refer to the more general study of a discipline, while more specific subject areas incorporate additional letters. Pathfinders are instructional materials created to assist patrons in locating information sources on a particular subject. These user guides contain titles of reference books, indexes, electronic sources, journals, and other information that are helpful to researchers. Pathfinders are located on display stands at the entrance to the reference department and at the reference desk.