Online research, also called database or computer searching, uses computers to access the indexes of journals, newspapers, and dissertations. Among the more than one hundred databases available at the Getty Research Library are the Bibliography of the History of Art , Avery Architecture Index , Modern Language Association Bibliography , Philosopher's Index , Historical Abstracts , Sociological Abstracts , Book Review Index , Dissertation Abstracts , and National Newspaper Index . A literature search can be used to verify references and assemble citations on personal names or conceptual topics.
Some databases supply the complete text of selected newspaper and magazine articles.
Others contain directory information for organizations or businesses. The majority, however, supply a citation and, if available, a summary of the article. Scope of an Online Search Computerized journal indexing began coverage about 1975. Consequently, citations date from approximately that year to the present. For articles written earlier, consult other sources such as the Periodicals Contents Index, 1770-1993 and the paper and microform editions of periodicals indexes located in Reference.