You may be asked in your classes to research a topic using a scholarly journal. Students sometimes find this confusing. This short guide is intended to help you identify and use the right type of information for a research assignment.
Periodical Literature is the umbrella term used to describe publications that are published on a schedule, contain articles, and have no expected end to the publication. Journals, magazines, and newspapers are all examples of periodical literature. It is important to now note that periodical literature is published in both electronic and paper format. At the same time many newspapers and even some scholarly journals now publish a blog or research results that are not vetted through the traditional (and slow) process of full peer review. This makes your hunt for research information even more difficult.
Type of Periodical
Characteristics
Where to Locate
Examples
Scholarly or Academic Journal: These publications are products of the research effort.
· Usually by library subscription
· Databases-for Abstract or full text
· May be able to purchase a specific article at the publisher’s website
· Nature
· Journal of Reading
· New England Journal of Medicine
Trade Publication: Publications dedicated to marketing to a specific business or industry. Marketing/selling intent should be kept in mind.
· Industry specific
· Contains advertising
· Quality of articles varies
· Accuracy of information varies
· Articles often written by vendors
· Usually current topic focus
· Articles may sometimes be found in databases
· May be able to purchase a specific read at the publisher’s website
· May contain peer-reviewed technical reports
Direct Mail
Fundraiser
Bio-Techniques
Professional Publication: the official voice of an organization.
· Organization specific
· Articles are on one general theme
· Usually comes free with organizational membership
· Organization identified in publication information
· May have advertising
· Articles always authored by those in the profession
· There publications often come as part of a membership
· May contain peer-reviewed articles
American Libraries
Popular Magazine: the intended readership is the public.
· Articles on popular topics
· Subscription
· Libraries
· Grocery or convenience store
· National Geographic
· Time
· Newsweek
· Atlantic Monthly
Newspaper: Scheduled publication printed on newsprint. The intended audience is the public. They have a traditional set format when in paper.
· Timely articles on current topics
· Articles usually short
· Standard set of article types: opinion, letters to the editor, etc.
· News reports are intended to show no bias but frequently do
· May be general interest to dedicated to specific group or topic
· Articles contained in databases
· Articles available through publishers’ archives
· Free online access to some features often possible
· Boston Globe
· Washington Post
· New York Times
· Manchester Union Leader
