Ulrich's Periodicals Directory: The Global Standard for Serial Publications
For researchers, librarians, and academics, identifying the legitimacy and scope of a publication is a critical step in the research process. Ulrich's Periodicals Directory serves as the definitive global resource for information on serials—publications issued in successive parts, usually with numbered issues.
Founded in 1932 by Carolyn F. Ulrich, who served as the chief of the periodicals division at the New York Public Library, the directory began as the Periodicals Directory: A Classified Guide to a Selected List of Current Periodicals Foreign and Domestic. Over the decades, it has evolved from a printed guide into a sophisticated digital powerhouse known as Ulrichsweb.
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Key Facts
- Producer: ProQuest.
- Coverage: Over 336,000 records spanning 215 countries.
- Scope: Multidisciplinary, covering academic journals, trade publications, and popular magazines.
- Update Frequency: Updated daily.
- Key Identifiers: Provides ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) data.
- Verification: Information is derived from publishers and verified by the journals themselves.
From Print to Digital: The Evolution of Ulrich's
While the print edition (ISSN 0000-2100) continues to exist as an annual publication, the digital transition to Ulrichsweb has significantly expanded its utility. The online platform provides web-based and Z39.50 linking—a standard protocol for searching and retrieving information from remote library catalogs—allowing users to connect directory data directly to their own library holdings.
The ownership of the directory has shifted over time to reflect the changing landscape of information science. Originally published by R.R. Bowker, it moved to CSA (a subsidiary of Cambridge Information Group) in 2006. Following a merger between CSA and ProQuest, the directory was managed by the subsidiary Serials Solutions until that name was retired in 2014. Today, it is fully integrated under the ProQuest umbrella.
Comprehensive Coverage and Data Depth
Ulrich's is renowned for its multidisciplinary reach, drawing from more than 400 global sources, including prestigious indexing and citation databases such as Scopus and ISI Web of Science. Its record depth is vast, encompassing a wide array of formats and publishers.
Supported Publication Types
- Scholarly Works: Peer-reviewed titles, academic journals, and conference proceedings.
- General Interest: Popular magazines, newspapers, and newsletters.
- Specialized Media: Trade publications, consumer magazines, and even limited selections of comic books and puzzle books.
- Historical Data: Titles that have ceased publication since 1974.
The directory tracks publications from approximately 90,000 publishers, ranging from small independent presses and not-for-profit organizations to large commercial and scholarly society publishers.
Detailed Record Information
Each entry in the database provides critical metadata to help users evaluate a publication. This includes the ISSN, current and previous titles, starting dates, and the place of publication. Users can also find practical details such as subscription costs, availability of electronic versions, and estimated circulation figures.
Crucially, Ulrich's identifies whether a publication is peer-reviewed—meaning it undergoes a quality control process by experts in the field—or if it is available via open access, allowing the public to read the content without a paid subscription.
Ulrich's Directory Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Producer | ProQuest |
| Geospatial Coverage | 215 Countries (International) |
| Total Records | 336,000+ |
| Update Cycle | Daily |
| Access Model | Subscription / Multi-platform |
| Disciplines | Multidisciplinary (All subjects) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of Ulrich's Periodicals Directory?
It serves as the standard library directory for identifying and verifying information about popular and academic magazines, scientific journals, newspapers, and other serial publications.
How can I tell if a journal is peer-reviewed using Ulrich's?
The directory includes a specific indication for peer-reviewed publications, which encompasses scholarly journals and professional magazines that maintain equivalent editorial quality control.
What is the difference between the print and online versions?
The print version is an annual publication with limited data, while the online version (Ulrichsweb) is updated daily, contains over 300,000 active periodicals, and offers Z39.50 linking to library catalogs.
What types of publishers are included in the database?
The directory covers approximately 90,000 publishers, including large commercial houses, scholarly societies, independent publishers, and not-for-profit organizations.
Does Ulrich's cover non-English publications?
Yes, the coverage is international and multi-lingual, spanning 215 countries, although there is a notable emphasis on English-language publications.