An index is a literature access resource that provides no more than the information needed to find an article or other piece of information. Indexes contain such basic information as the author, title and publishing information of an article. Indexes are most often limited to periodical literature but may also include content analysis of conference papers, technical reports, theses, etc. Frequently abstracts are included to summarize the content.
Indexes are available in both print or electronic format.
Back to Top of Page 2. Determine your information need before selecting the appropriate index. Many electronic indexes have a searchable field relating to document type. Look at a database's search fields to see if there is a document type for review article or general review. For current events or a popular treatment of your topic use an index that gives access to magazines or newspaper articles.