Three Types of Periodical Literature
Scholarly/Research
A forum for reporting findings of original research
within a particular discipline. When published by
an association, the journal serves as their official
communication.
Trade/Practice
Updates reader on current trends in an
industry or profession. Specifically
concerned with the manufacture of a product
or service, its marketing, and technical
aspects.
Popular/Consumer/Lay
Considered leisure reading; does not report
on original research. Should not be used as
a source in the bibliography of an academic
paper.
Focus
Discipline focused Discipline focused
Audience
Written for a learned and professional audience Written for those in the profession Written for the general public
Title of
Periodical*
Frequently uses the word journal, review,
bulletin, quarterly, or research
Frequency*
Usually published monthly or quarterly Published weekly or monthly Published weekly or monthly
Cover
Drab, usually one or two color Bright, full color
Bright, full color and usually has glossy
paper
Pagination
Usually continuously paginated across issues Paginated by issue Paginated by issue
Ads
Contains few ads; those that exist are for
conferences and books
Contains color ads related to the discipline Contains many color ads on anything
Article Titles*
Long, often describing the content of the article Factual statements and short Sensational or short
Articles*
Long; may have charts and graphs, and will have
bibliographies or footnotes; articles will be PEER
REVIEWED or REFEREED (will sometimes
indicate this at the front, or check website or
Magazines for Libraries)
Shorter than scholarly articles; may have
charts and graphs, or a few pictures
Articles usually short; pictures illustrate
articles; do not have bibliographies or
footnotes
Authors*
Author is a specialist in the field; short biography
is given
Author is a specialist or practitioner Author is a journalist or is not mentioned
Example Journal of Pediatric Nursing AdWeek Sports Illustrated
* Use these criteria to evaluate electronic articles
Centennial Library
Cedarville University
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