Types of Periodicals:

Scholarly Journals, Popular Magazines, Newpapers and Trade Publications

Different types of publications have different purposes and different audiences. When we talk about journals/magazines, we can usually divide these publications into three broad categories: scholarly journals, popular magazines, and trade publications.

Check Ulrich's to see if a journal is peer-reviewed/refereed

Scholarly Journals (Peer-reviewed/Refereed) Authors are authorities in their fields. Authors cite their sources in endnotes, footnotes, or bibliographies. Individual issues have little or no advertising. Articles must go through a peer-review or refereed process. Articles are usually reports on scholarly research. Illustrations usually take the form of charts and graphs. Articles use jargon of the discipline.

Trade Publications Authors are specialists in a certain field or industry. Authors often mention sources, but rarely formally cite them in bibliographies. Intended audience includes people in the industry or people seeking employment in the industry. There is no peer-review process. Articles give practical information to people in an industry. Some illustrations are included, usually charts, graphs, etc. Authors use jargon of the industry.

Popular Magazines and Newpapers Authors are magazine staff members or free lance writers. Authors often mention sources, but rarely formally cite them in bibliographies. Individual issues contain numerous advertisements. There is no peer-review process. Articles are meant to inform and entertain. Illustrations may be numerous and colorful. Language is geared to the general adult audience (no specialized knowledge of jargon needed).

Examples of the four major categories of periodicals: