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Abstract
This study analyzes the age of references contained within journal articles and review articles written by chemists associated with the University of Oklahoma that were published in selected years from 1975–2005. The median ages of references from journal articles to articles changed little over the period studied. The ages of references from journal articles to other sources are analyzed, along with the ages of references contained in review articles. Results indicate there is a difference between journal articles and review articles in ages of materials cited, with references in review articles generally being older. Median ages of references to journal articles were similiar to Journal Citation Reports' citing half-lives for chemistry subject collections. The ages of 90% of references are reported as well. Knowledge of the ages of information cited can inform librarians' collection development and management decisions.