Tutorial: Understanding Serials Holdings Information

Holdings statements are used to detail our holdings of newspapers, journals, and magazines. If you know how to read them, you'll be able to tell whether we own the journal you need and where to find it.

Anatomy of a Holdings Statement

Holdings information will include the title of the journal, where it is located, and the volumes or years of publication that we hold. The Location may be a physical place (ex: UMBC Library Serials Stacks) or the name of a database (which means we have electronic access).

Holdings in Context

Holdings information will look a little different depending on which search interface you use. We often recommend you start with the A-Z Journal list, which lists our database access options first. If the Library has paper holdings of a journal, you'll see a link called UMBC Serials Stacks. You'll need to click there to see which years or volumes we own in paper.

When you click through for details of physical holdings, you'll be sent to catalogUSMAI, and the holdings information will look like this:

If you happen to use OneSearch or the Books and Media search box to start your research, you'll see details of our physical holdings, and a note that we also have online access.

Now head to the Serials collection on the Second Floor (or the Lower Level) to find your journal! If you need additional information, please contact UMBCserials-group@umbc.edu, call 410-455-2343, or contact the Reference Desk for help.