What is a Periodical?

Periodicals are publications which are issued at regular intervals, such as journals, magazines, and newspapers.  They are also referred to as serials.  Periodicals usually consist of a collection of art icles, which may range from a single page in a newspaper or magazine to a 40 page study in a scholarly journal.

Periodicals can offer some advantages over books depending upon your information need.  However, when using periodicals, it is important to understand the difference between scholarly and popular periodicals.  

Scholarly vs. Popular Periodicals

Scholarly Journals  

Report original research or experimentation, often in specific academic disciplines

The targeted audience is the scholarly researcher, faculty, and students

Articles are written by experts in the field, and are signed

Articles often use specialized jargon of the discipline, and assume a familiarity with the subject

Illustrations are few, and support the text, typically in the form of charts, graphs, and maps

Often do not include advertisements.  Any advertisements included would be intrusive

Articles must undergo the peer review process prior to publication

Articles usually include footnotes or bibliographies to other sources, using a standardized citation format  

Popular Magazines           

Cover news, current events, hobbies, or special interests

Are targeted at the general public, and available to a broad audience

Articles are usually written by a member of the editorial staff or a free lance writer

The language of the articles is geared for any educated audience, and does not assume familiarity with the subject area

Include many illustrations, often with large, glossy photographs and graphics for an aesthetically pleasing appearance

Publication does not involve a peer review process

Sources are sometimes cited, but articles do not usually include footnotes or a bibliography

Are typically published weekly or monthly

 Trade Journals  

Discuss practical information and concerns in a particular industry

Contain business news, product information, advertising, trends in technology, and law

Are targeted at the professionals in that industry, or students researching that industry

Articles are written by experts in the field for other experts in the field

Articles use specialized jargon of the discipline

Often include colorful illustrations and advertisements

Publication does not involve a peer review process

Sources are sometimes cited, but articles do not usually include footnotes or a bibliography

Are typically published weekly or monthly