Indexing Patterns of Periodical Literature on African American Women and US Latinas

Abstract

Indexing of women's studies materials is a well-studied subject, but has never focused on minority women. Previous research has shown that gaining access to journal articles in an interdisciplinary field such as women's studies is problematic. Journals in the field tend to be inadequately indexed, multiple indexes must be consulted, and certain publications and populations are marginalized. Racial and ethnic studies, as another interdiscipline, may face the same kinds of problems, though research there has focused on the shortcomings of subject description and access. This study explores the implications for researchers who seek access to current periodical literature on African American women and US Latinas, an interdisciplinary field between women's studies and racial/ethnic studies.

Key Words:

• African American women
• US Latinas
• periodical literature
• periodical indexes
• racial and ethnic studies
• women's studies