To use information in periodicals you should do two things:

Read new issues

Visit the periodical section of the Library regularly and read new issues of journals as they arrive in the library. By doing this you keep up to date with new knowledge as it is published.

Consult periodical indexes

Consult periodical indexes when you need information on a specific topic. It is neither effective nor efficient to page through single issues of a periodical in the hope that you will find a relevant article.

Definition
A periodical index is
"an alphabetical list that refers you to articles within periodicals. The list is generally arranged by subject or author. Periodical indexes are used to locate articles by subject or author within magazines, journals, and newspapers."

(Source: Del Mar College Libraries. Library Terminology)

Periodical indexes are available in printed format or in electronic forms such as CD-ROM or online on the the Internet. There are several steps required to successfully make use of these indexes. The next section will explain "Indexes" in more detail.