Research Guides: Microform Research Sets: American Periodicals Series

About this Collection

About: Also called American Periodical Series, 1741-1800; American Periodical Series, 1800-1859.
The first series, Film 43, reproduces all available issues from two short-lived publications of 1741 by Andrew Bradford and Benjamin Franklin through the increasing magazine activity after the Revolution.
The second series, Film 44, is a much larger set. It covers the expansion of magazine publishing that took place in the next 50 years, and reflects the growth of periodicals dealing with specific interests.
A third series, covering 1850-1900, was also produced but is not held in the University Libraries.
Location: Library Annex LISA Microfilm Film 43 and Film 44
Format: Microfilm
Arrangement: Series I, 1741-1800, is arranged alphabetically by title.
Series II, 1800-1850, was filmed in units. Titles are arranged alphabetically in each unit. The Libraries do not own all titles in the second series.
Items: Series I, Film 43: 33 reels Series II, 44, 800+ reels
Publication: ProQuest - University Microfilms, 1950?-

HathiTrust: Poole's Index to Periodical Literature
provides an index to articles in American periodicals, covering 1802-1907.

Some nineteenth century periodicals can be fond online though it can be challenging to browse a full run.

Making of America
An impressive online collection of 19th century periodicals and some books

HathiTrust
The University Libraries are members of HathiTrust; U o fA students, faculty and staff can now download complete works and take advantage of other features, including building and sharing collections of works. Read more on our HathiTrust Guide.
A collaborative archive of digitized books and periodicals. Most books that can be read full-text online were published prior to 1923 but there are a large number of government documents, including very recent Congressional reports and hearings.
HathiTrust (Open Access Version)
A collaborative archive of digitized books and periodicals. Most books that can be read full-text online were published prior to 1923 but there are a large number of government documents, including very recent Congressional reports and hearings.

This link provides access to HathiTrust for anyone without requiring authentication. You will be able to download books and periodicals one page at a time. If you are a U of A student, faculty, or staff member, please use our customized link to HathiTrust.