These enable you to search for published material on specific topics.
Indexes give details of the source of the information, abstracts give brief summaries as well.
Many are available via the library computers. This is a printed publication which indexes articles on Twentieth century art. A guide to the litterature of art, design and photography. This is an international index to all aspects of design and craft from some 300 journals, featuring designers, craftspeople, studios, workshops, firms etc. Best database for design, in hard copy only.