Journals
Types of Journals
Scholarly Journals
Also known as academic, refereed, or peer-reviewed journals.
Author/Authority: Articles written by researchers or scholars in the field who report the results of original research. Other scholars evaluate the research before publication to assure its accuracy, called "peer-review."
Appearance: Generally have a sober, serious look. May contain graphs and charts, but few glossy pages or photographs. Use scholarly language with vocabulary specific to their profession or field.
Audience: Written for academics and professionals.
Citations: Articles include footnotes and a list of citations at the end of the article.
Content: Includes scholarly research for a particular profession or industry.
Frequency: Usually published bimonthly or quarterly.
Examples:
Popular Journals
Appearance: Generally attractive and illustrated with color photographs.
Audience: Written for the general public.
Author/Authority: Articles written by staff or freelance writer.
Content: Includes current events and special features.
Frequency: Usually published weekly or monthly.
Examples:
Trade Journals
Also known as industry magazines.
Appearance: Generally attractive and are often illustrated with color photographs.
Audience: Written for industry professionals.
Author/Authority: Articles written by staff writers, may sometimes accept articles from industry professionals. Not peer-reviewed.
Citations: Occasionally list references at the end of the article or provide footnotes within the text.
Content: Include current events, trends, and news within a particular profession or industry.
Frequency: Usually published biweekly or monthly.
Examples:
News/Newspapers
Appearance: Generally printed on newsprint in black ink.
Audience: Written for the general public.
Author/Authority: Articles written by staff writers and freelance journalists.
Citations: Will sometimes cite sources, a scholar, or a freelance writer.
Content: Includes current events and special features.
Frequency: Usually published daily or weekly.
Examples:
Used with permission of Kishwaukee College Library (5:10 length). Retrieved from https://youtu.be/EEVftUdfKtQ.
Video: Scholarly vs. Popular Journals
This video discusses the differences between scholarly and popular periodicals (journals). Used with permission of Peabody Library, Vanderbilt University (3:12 length). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysPDZGj3cRA
- Popular and Scholarly Sources: The Information Cycle (video)This video explores the differences between popular and scholarly sources in the context of the information cycle. Attribution CC BY: John M. Pfau Library (3:36 length).