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Magazines and Journals: Overview

More on Primary Sources

Discover Magazines and Journals in our Libraries 

SMU Libraries has magazines and journals in print, online, and on microfilm.

  • For quick searches, you can find articles by topic and periodicals by title in Library Search, but not everything is available this way.
  • Historical research require more in-depth searching. Find more on searching for historical magazines and journals.

Search by Title

Look up magazines and journals by title in Journal Search, linked from the top of the Library Search page.

  •  Pay attention to the years listed in the record to ensure it is for the year you need. You may need to look at multiple records for different date ranges.
  • Titles may change names over time, so look for the section "Related titles" in the record.

Get the Magazine or Journal

Online Magazines or Journals

In Library Search, look for the Read Article, Download PDF, or Available Online link. Or in the View Online section, select any database name as any option should work.

In database records, look for a link to the Full Text, a PDF, or HTML. If a database does not have full text, select “Other SMU Options” to see if we have it in another database or in a print journal. If we don’t, sign in to your account and click “Request from Another Institution” to borrow it through Interlibrary Loan.

Screenshot of database record

Print or Microfilm

Not all magazines and journals are available digitally. Find the library location of print and microfilm in the Library Search record under “Get It." Click the location to find the dates that are available. Journals are usually arranged alphabetically on the shelf.

Some journals are only available to use in the library and can’t be checked out. The record will note that it is “limited access” or “non-circulating”. You may need to ask at the holding library’s desk. Special Collections often require an appointment to see materials.

Screenshot of journal record with location indicated

Current Magazines

Popular Titles