Indexes and Abstracts Then, 2 years of research for Ph.D. dissertation. Then, 2 years of research for Ph.D. dissertation. Now, one afternoon with two coffee.

Indexes and AbstractsIndexes and Abstracts

Then, 2 years of research for Ph.D. Then, 2 years of research for Ph.D. dissertation.dissertation.

Now, one afternoon with two Now, one afternoon with two coffee breaks.coffee breaks.

Why do I need them?Why do I need them?– Information literacy—I need to be Information literacy—I need to be

aware of the contributions in the field.aware of the contributions in the field.– My research time will be reduced My research time will be reduced

considerably.considerably.

Indexes, Abstracts & Indexes, Abstracts & BibliographiesBibliographies

Indexes and AbstractsIndexes and Abstracts Index---a “more or less detailed Index---a “more or less detailed

alphabetical listing of names, places, alphabetical listing of names, places, and topics along with the numbers of and topics along with the numbers of the pages on which they are the pages on which they are mentioned or discussed….” –Random mentioned or discussed….” –Random House DictionaryHouse Dictionary

Specialized Index—deal with a Specialized Index—deal with a general topic—e.g., “Religion”—and general topic—e.g., “Religion”—and in an in an alphabetically arranged subject alphabetically arranged subject indexindex list those journal articles or list those journal articles or essays that pertain to the topic. essays that pertain to the topic.


Abstract---similar to an index.Abstract---similar to an index.– Lists articles and essays under Lists articles and essays under

specific subject headings.specific subject headings.– Basic difference is that a work like Basic difference is that a work like

Religious and Theological Abstracts Religious and Theological Abstracts provides a brief summary of the provides a brief summary of the article or essay.article or essay.

– This synopsis is designed to help you This synopsis is designed to help you determine whether the article in determine whether the article in question is sufficiently relevant to question is sufficiently relevant to your research to be worth locating.your research to be worth locating.


Religion Index One: PeriodicalsReligion Index One: Periodicals– (1949-present), a semiannual index (1949-present), a semiannual index

with annual cumulations.with annual cumulations.– Long regarded as one of most Long regarded as one of most

important resource tools for important resource tools for theological research.theological research.

– RIO published by American Theological RIO published by American Theological Library Association (ATLA)Library Association (ATLA)

– ATLA originally published the ATLA originally published the Index to Index to Religious Periodical Literature (1949-Religious Periodical Literature (1949-1976).1976).

– From 31 to 58 journals 1955-1956 and From 31 to 58 journals 1955-1956 and to 203 by 1975-6.to 203 by 1975-6.


Religion Index One: PeriodicalsReligion Index One: Periodicals– ATLA then revised, expanded, ATLA then revised, expanded,

augmented and renamed IRPL; augmented and renamed IRPL; became became Religion Index One: Religion Index One: Periodicals.Periodicals.

– By 1999 RIO was annually indexing By 1999 RIO was annually indexing more than 12,000 articles in and more than 12,000 articles in and related to the field of religion from related to the field of religion from 575 fully and selectively indexed 575 fully and selectively indexed journals and 100 scanned journals.journals and 100 scanned journals.

– Articles dealing with church history, Articles dealing with church history, theology, Bible, missions, ministry, theology, Bible, missions, ministry, philosophy, and religious studies are philosophy, and religious studies are given a prominent place.given a prominent place.


Religion Index One: PeriodicalsReligion Index One: Periodicals– RIO volumes are divided into 3 RIO volumes are divided into 3

sections:sections: Subject Index (adheres closely to Subject Index (adheres closely to

the approved subject headings of the approved subject headings of the Library of Congress)the Library of Congress)

Author IndexAuthor Index Scripture IndexScripture Index


Religion Index One: PeriodicalsReligion Index One: Periodicals– Journal articles on different books of the Journal articles on different books of the

Bible (or parts of books) are arranged Bible (or parts of books) are arranged under the “Bible (O.T.)” or “Bible (N.T.)”under the “Bible (O.T.)” or “Bible (N.T.)”

– For an article on Paul’s thought in For an article on Paul’s thought in Romans 5:12-21 would need to check Romans 5:12-21 would need to check the entries in RIO under “Bible (N.T.) the entries in RIO under “Bible (N.T.) Romans 5—8”Romans 5—8”

– After locating that section, it is After locating that section, it is relatively easy to find those articles relatively easy to find those articles dealing with chap. 5.dealing with chap. 5.

– A list of abbreviations of names of A list of abbreviations of names of journals is found inside the front cover.journals is found inside the front cover.


Religion Index Two: Multi-Author Religion Index Two: Multi-Author WorksWorks– (1960-present) annually indexes (1960-present) annually indexes

essays (chapters in books) from essays (chapters in books) from edited or multi-author worksedited or multi-author works

– RIT volumes are accessed by RIT volumes are accessed by searching the Subject Index, Author searching the Subject Index, Author and Editor Index, or the Scripture and Editor Index, or the Scripture Index.Index.


ATLA Religion DatabaseATLA Religion Database– Provides electronic access to the Provides electronic access to the

combined contents of RIO and RIT.combined contents of RIO and RIT.– It also includes It also includes Index to Book Reviews Index to Book Reviews

in Religionin Religion (1949-present), (1949-present), Research Research in Ministry: An Index to D.Min. Project in Ministry: An Index to D.Min. Project Reports and Theses Reports and Theses (1981-1998), and (1981-1998), and Methodist Reviews IndexMethodist Reviews Index (1818- (1818-1985).1985).

– The Standard Search screen allows The Standard Search screen allows searching of the entire database searching of the entire database through 16 searchable fields.through 16 searchable fields.


ATLA Religion DatabaseATLA Religion Database– Boolean searching of the database may Boolean searching of the database may

be facilitated by using more than one be facilitated by using more than one searchable field at a time.searchable field at a time.

– Subject headings can also be found in Subject headings can also be found in the printed the printed Religion Indexes: Religion Indexes: Thesaurus (1994)Thesaurus (1994)

– Internet access to the ATLA Religion Internet access to the ATLA Religion database is available through database is available through FirstSearch, SilverPlatter, Ovid, and FirstSearch, SilverPlatter, Ovid, and EBSCO.EBSCO.

– Faulkner students: Go to Faulkner students: Go to Faulkner>Nichols Library>Databases.Faulkner>Nichols Library>Databases.


BiblicaBiblicaElenchus Bibliographicus Elenchus Bibliographicus BiblicusBiblicusElenchus of BiblicaElenchus of Biblica – (1919-present) a continuous (1919-present) a continuous

bibliographybibliography– Published by the Pontifical Biblical Published by the Pontifical Biblical

Institute in Rome.Institute in Rome.– Of greatest importance to doctoral Of greatest importance to doctoral

students.students.– Few biases are evident but there is a Few biases are evident but there is a

time lag between publication of time lag between publication of articles and appearance of these articles and appearance of these indices—ca. 3 yrs.indices—ca. 3 yrs.


Religious and Theological AbstractsReligious and Theological Abstracts– (1958-present), published quarterly.(1958-present), published quarterly.– Covers about 378 primarily English-Covers about 378 primarily English-

language journals and arranges language journals and arranges material under 4 broad divisions: material under 4 broad divisions: Biblical, Theological, Historical, Biblical, Theological, Historical, Practical.Practical.

– What it lacks in quantity it attempts to What it lacks in quantity it attempts to make up for in quality.make up for in quality.

– RTA indexes about 80 journals that are RTA indexes about 80 journals that are not indexed in RIO and provides not indexed in RIO and provides abstracts for all articles.abstracts for all articles.

– On CD-ROM annually.On CD-ROM annually.


New Testament AbstractsNew Testament Abstracts (1956- (1956-present)present)– Published 3 times a year.Published 3 times a year.– Indexes of principal Scripture Indexes of principal Scripture

passages, separate indexes authors, passages, separate indexes authors, book reviews and book notices.book reviews and book notices.

– Covers about 400 journals.Covers about 400 journals.– Product of Roman Catholic Product of Roman Catholic

scholarship.scholarship.– CD-ROM version first published in CD-ROM version first published in

1999.1999.


Old Testament Abstracts (1978-Old Testament Abstracts (1978-present)present)– 3 times a year.3 times a year.– Indexes about 330 journals.Indexes about 330 journals.– Concise abstract following each entry Concise abstract following each entry

valuable.valuable.– The Catholic Biblical Association of The Catholic Biblical Association of

America, in partnership with ATLA, America, in partnership with ATLA, publishes an annual CD-ROM version publishes an annual CD-ROM version of OTA.of OTA.


Ephemerides Theologicae Ephemerides Theologicae LovaniensesLovanienses– By U. of Louvain, Belgium.By U. of Louvain, Belgium.– Indexes both articles and books.Indexes both articles and books.– Published irregularly.Published irregularly.– Roman Catholic bias in some pre-Roman Catholic bias in some pre-

Vatican II volumes.Vatican II volumes.– Useful as theological resource.Useful as theological resource.– Lacks proper subject index.Lacks proper subject index.– Time lag for index.Time lag for index.


Christian Periodical IndexChristian Periodical Index (1956- (1956-present)present)– Published quarterly with annual Published quarterly with annual

cumulations.cumulations.– Citations to evangelical articles in Citations to evangelical articles in

magazines and journals that have not magazines and journals that have not be covered by the other indexing and be covered by the other indexing and abstracting agencies.abstracting agencies.

– 100 journals indexed; 67 are not 100 journals indexed; 67 are not covered in RIO.covered in RIO.

– Internet version—no Faulkner access.Internet version—no Faulkner access.


Catholic Periodical and Literature Catholic Periodical and Literature IndexIndex– (1967/68-present) most current (1967/68-present) most current

popular index of Roman Catholic popular index of Roman Catholic publications.publications.

– Successor to other indexes.Successor to other indexes.– CD-ROM version covering 1981-CD-ROM version covering 1981-

present.present.


Index to Jewish Periodical Index to Jewish Periodical LiteratureLiterature– (1963-present)(1963-present)– Included are articles on their feasts, Included are articles on their feasts,

involvement in politics and relief involvement in politics and relief work, together with studies of Biblical work, together with studies of Biblical texts.texts.

BibliographiesBibliographies

Though databases have made Though databases have made searching much easier, you need to searching much easier, you need to be aware of sources of information be aware of sources of information that will enable you to move beyond that will enable you to move beyond the “latest research” and the “most the “latest research” and the “most current data.”current data.”

This is especially true in Biblical This is especially true in Biblical studies and theology.studies and theology.

Whereas research in the arts and Whereas research in the arts and sciences dates quickly, the opposite sciences dates quickly, the opposite is often true in Biblical studies and is often true in Biblical studies and theology.theology.

BibliographiesBibliographies

That which is old is often That which is old is often preferable to what in time will be preferable to what in time will be shown to be just another current shown to be just another current fad.fad.

Bibliographies (General)Bibliographies (General)

Bibliographic Index: A Cumulative Bibliographic Index: A Cumulative Bibliography of Bibliographies Bibliography of Bibliographies (1938-present)(1938-present)

Compilation of bibliographies that Compilation of bibliographies that have been published separately in have been published separately in books or journal articles.books or journal articles.

Regularly examines 2,600 Regularly examines 2,600 periodicals for substantial periodicals for substantial bibliographies and selects those bibliographies and selects those that contain at least 50 citations.that contain at least 50 citations.

Bibliographies (General)Bibliographies (General)

Bibliographic Index: A Cumulative Bibliographic Index: A Cumulative Bibliography of Bibliographies Bibliography of Bibliographies (1938-present)(1938-present)

BI has been published BI has been published semiannually since 1965, with semiannually since 1965, with annual cumulations.annual cumulations.

The arrangement is alphabetical The arrangement is alphabetical by subject only.by subject only.

All subjects are covered as well as All subjects are covered as well as secular sources of information.secular sources of information.

Not available online.Not available online.

Bibliographies (Special)Bibliographies (Special)

BibleBible Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Charles Haddon Spurgeon,

Commenting and CommentariesCommenting and Commentaries (1876/1989)(1876/1989)– Covers resources from Puritans to 19Covers resources from Puritans to 19thth

c.c.– 1437 entries covering works on the 1437 entries covering works on the

Bible (or parts of it) as well as Bible (or parts of it) as well as commentaries.commentaries.

– Each entry annotated and the highly Each entry annotated and the highly recommended items are printed in recommended items are printed in heavy type.heavy type.


BibleBible James E. Rosscup, James E. Rosscup, Commentaries Commentaries

for Biblical Expositors for Biblical Expositors (1993)(1993)– Devoted exclusively to commentaries.Devoted exclusively to commentaries.– Divides commentaries into 3 Divides commentaries into 3

divisions:divisions: Detailed exegeticalDetailed exegetical Expositional surveyExpositional survey Devotional flavorDevotional flavor

– Annotated.Annotated.


BibleBible James E. Rosscup, James E. Rosscup, Commentaries Commentaries

for Biblical Expositors for Biblical Expositors (1993)(1993)– Replaces former reliance onReplaces former reliance on

Brevard S. Child, Brevard S. Child, Old Testament Books for Old Testament Books for Pastor and Teacher (1977)Pastor and Teacher (1977)

Ralph P. Martin, Ralph P. Martin, New Testament Books for New Testament Books for Pastor and Teacher (1984)Pastor and Teacher (1984)


BibleBible Cyril J. Barber, Cyril J. Barber, The Minister’s The Minister’s

LibraryLibrary– Ongoing and up-to-date in Ongoing and up-to-date in

supplements.supplements.– Annotated listings from the late 19Annotated listings from the late 19thth c. c.

to the present.to the present.– Includes several categories in Biblical Includes several categories in Biblical

Studies, but a primary emphasis on Studies, but a primary emphasis on Bible commentaries for ministers.Bible commentaries for ministers.


BibleBible David R. Bauer, David R. Bauer, An Annotated An Annotated

Guide to Biblical Resources for Guide to Biblical Resources for MinistryMinistry– Up-to-date (2003)Up-to-date (2003)– Lists tools on the whole Bible and Lists tools on the whole Bible and

Judaism.Judaism.– Lists bibliographic helps and all kinds Lists bibliographic helps and all kinds

of tools for both Old and New of tools for both Old and New Testaments.Testaments.


Old TestamentOld Testament Society for Old Testament Study Society for Old Testament Study

(SOTS)(SOTS)– Book List Book List (1945-present)(1945-present)– Purpose to keep scholars appraised of Purpose to keep scholars appraised of

the later publications relating to the the later publications relating to the OT.OT.

– The society has also published other The society has also published other bibliographic tools.bibliographic tools.


Old TestamentOld Testament William G. Hupper, William G. Hupper, An Index to An Index to

English Periodical Literature on the English Periodical Literature on the Old Testament and Ancient Near Old Testament and Ancient Near East East (1987-)(1987-)– 6 vols. to present.6 vols. to present.– Focuses on more than 600 journals.Focuses on more than 600 journals.– Coverage from 1793-1969-70.Coverage from 1793-1969-70.– Material arranged in chronological Material arranged in chronological

order.order.


Old TestamentOld Testament Classified Bibliography to the Classified Bibliography to the

Septuagint (1973)Septuagint (1973)– Covers period 1860-1969.Covers period 1860-1969.– 200 sources consulted.200 sources consulted.– Arrangement is under specific subject Arrangement is under specific subject

headings.headings.– Comprehensive table of contents and Comprehensive table of contents and

index of authors.index of authors.– Material published after 1969 can be Material published after 1969 can be

traced through Religion Index One.traced through Religion Index One.


New TestamentNew Testament Index to Periodical Literature on Index to Periodical Literature on

Christ and the Gospels (1966)Christ and the Gospels (1966) Index to Periodical Literature on Index to Periodical Literature on

the Apostle Paul (1970)the Apostle Paul (1970)– Bruce Metzger the prime mover.Bruce Metzger the prime mover.– Supplements RIO because it lists Supplements RIO because it lists

essays from the 19essays from the 19thth c. and 1 c. and 1stst half of half of 2020thth c. c.

– Entries arranged alphabetically by Entries arranged alphabetically by author under a comprehensive list of author under a comprehensive list of subjects.subjects.


New TestamentNew Testament A. J. and M. B. Mattill, A. J. and M. B. Mattill, Classified Classified

Bibliography of Literature on the Bibliography of Literature on the Acts of the ApostlesActs of the Apostles– Serves as a companion volume to Serves as a companion volume to

works by Metzger.works by Metzger.– Well-indexed, 6,646 entries, Well-indexed, 6,646 entries,

references to 180 periodicals in all references to 180 periodicals in all major European languages.major European languages.


New TestamentNew Testament Watson E. Mills, Watson E. Mills, Bibliography of the Bibliography of the

Periodical Literature on the Acts of Periodical Literature on the Acts of the Apostles, 1962-1984 the Apostles, 1962-1984 in 1986.in 1986.– Brings Mattill/Mattill up-to-date.Brings Mattill/Mattill up-to-date.– Material arranged alphabetically.Material arranged alphabetically.– The indexing to the periodical The indexing to the periodical

literature is impressive.literature is impressive.


Church HistoryChurch History James E. Bradley and Richard A. James E. Bradley and Richard A.

Muller, Muller, Church History: An Church History: An Introduction to Research, Introduction to Research, Reference Works, and Methods Reference Works, and Methods (1995).(1995).– Coverage of the different eras and Coverage of the different eras and

facts of history.facts of history.– Abundance of information—meets Abundance of information—meets

needs of most researchers all the way needs of most researchers all the way through to their doctoral studies.through to their doctoral studies.


Church History (Early)Church History (Early) Bruce M. Metzger, Bruce M. Metzger, Index of Articles Index of Articles

on the New Testament and the Early on the New Testament and the Early Church Published in Festschriften Church Published in Festschriften (1951) ((1951) (Supplemented 1955)Supplemented 1955)

W. Schallmelcher, W. Schallmelcher, Bibloographia Bibloographia Patristica: Internationale Patristische Patristica: Internationale Patristische Bibliographies (1959-present)Bibliographies (1959-present)– Information from 900 journals.Information from 900 journals.– Also references dissertations and Also references dissertations and

encyclopedic articles.encyclopedic articles.


Church History (Medieval)Church History (Medieval) Dictionary Catalog of the Library of Dictionary Catalog of the Library of

the Pontifical Institute of Medieval the Pontifical Institute of Medieval StudiesStudies,,– St. Michaels College, Toronto (5 vols.)St. Michaels College, Toronto (5 vols.)– Access to a wide variety of sources.Access to a wide variety of sources.


MissionsMissions Dictionary Catalog of the Missionary Dictionary Catalog of the Missionary

research Library (17 vols., 1968)research Library (17 vols., 1968)– Accumulated by the Missionary Accumulated by the Missionary

Research Library in New York.Research Library in New York.– Located since 1929 on campus of Located since 1929 on campus of

Union Theological Seminary, New York.Union Theological Seminary, New York.– 100,000 entries and author, title, 100,000 entries and author, title,

subject indexes.subject indexes. Others by continent or world region, Others by continent or world region,

Barber, pp. 142-3.Barber, pp. 142-3.


Pastoral Theology (Homiletics)Pastoral Theology (Homiletics) W. Toohey and W. D. Thompson, W. Toohey and W. D. Thompson,

Recent Homiletic Thought: A Recent Homiletic Thought: A bibliography, 1935-1965bibliography, 1935-1965– Surveys 10 different areas of the Surveys 10 different areas of the

preacher’s role.preacher’s role.– Comprehensive list of theses and Comprehensive list of theses and

dissertations in the area of sermon dissertations in the area of sermon preparation and delivery at the end.preparation and delivery at the end.

– Vol. 2 covers 1966-1979.Vol. 2 covers 1966-1979.


Pastoral Theology (Ministry of Pastoral Theology (Ministry of Education)Education)

The Minister’s LibraryThe Minister’s Library ERIC (Educational Resources ERIC (Educational Resources

Information Center) Information Center) (online)(online) DeWitte Campbell Wyckoff, DeWitte Campbell Wyckoff,

Suggested Bibliography in Christian Suggested Bibliography in Christian Education for Seminary and College Education for Seminary and College LibrariesLibraries– Supplement thru 1993.Supplement thru 1993.– The most extensive bibliography in field.The most extensive bibliography in field.


Pastoral Theology (Counseling)Pastoral Theology (Counseling) Gary R. Collins, Gary R. Collins, Resources in Resources in

Christian CounselingChristian Counseling (1986-1991) (1986-1991)– 30-volume set.30-volume set.– Wide variety of topics.Wide variety of topics.


Pastoral Theology (Counseling)Pastoral Theology (Counseling) Counseling and Spiritual Values: A Counseling and Spiritual Values: A

BibliographyBibliography– Issued in 1992 by the Association for Issued in 1992 by the Association for

Religious and Value Issues for Religious and Value Issues for Counseling.Counseling.

– 170 pages.170 pages.


Pastoral Theology (Counseling)Pastoral Theology (Counseling) Family Research: A Source Book, Family Research: A Source Book,

Analysis, and Guide to Federal Analysis, and Guide to Federal Funding (1979)Funding (1979)– 2 vols., by Wakefield Washington 2 vols., by Wakefield Washington

Associates, Inc.Associates, Inc.– Catalogs the kind of work being done Catalogs the kind of work being done

by Federal agencies.by Federal agencies.– Barber says it is suggestive of many Barber says it is suggestive of many

areas of investigation for students in areas of investigation for students in marriage and family ministries.marriage and family ministries.

Bibliographies Bibliographies

Are bibliographies on nearly every Are bibliographies on nearly every subject imaginable.subject imaginable.

The Library of Congress approved The Library of Congress approved subject heading will be followed by subject heading will be followed by a dash and the word bibliography.a dash and the word bibliography.– MARRIAGE—BIBLIOGRAPHYMARRIAGE—BIBLIOGRAPHY– SINGLE ADULTS—BIBLIOGRAPHYSINGLE ADULTS—BIBLIOGRAPHY– YOUTH--BIBLIOGRAPHYYOUTH--BIBLIOGRAPHY

Indexes and Abstracts Then, 2 years of research for Ph.D. dissertation. Then, 2 years of research for Ph.D. dissertation. Now, one afternoon with two coffee.

Documents

abstracts index

periodicals religion

abstracts religion index

semiannual index

subject index list

random house dictionary

periodicals atla

field of religion