There are three main types of periodicals: popular, trade, and scholarly. Popular periodicals like magazines and newspapers are meant for general audiences, use plain language, and contain advertisements. Trade publications target professionals with industry-specific content and ads. Scholarly journals present original academic research through articles reviewed by experts, without images or advertisements. Each type serves a different purpose like informing the public, tracking industry trends, or advancing academic work.

1. Scholarly
Trade
Popular
3Periodical
Types

2. Popular Periodicals:
Magazines and Newspapers
• Colorful with lots of pictures
• Meant to entertain, catch
your eye, and/or inform you
• Read by the general public
• Plain language
• Written by journalists
• Advertisements for products
of interest to most people
(cars, food, etc.)
• Basic editing for grammar
and content
• Published daily or monthly

3. Trade or Industry Publications
• Colorful with pictures
• Meant to help professionals
keep up with new products
and trends in their field
• Read by professionals in a
specific field
• Written by professionals
• Often have jargon
• Advertisements for industry
specific items (kitchen
equipment, massage tables,
etc.)
• Basic editing for grammar and
content

4. Scholarly, Academic, and
Peer-Reviewed Journals
• Black and white with few
pictures
• Report original research and
build on academic literature
• Read by researchers,
professionals, and students
• Written by subject experts
(researchers and professors)
• Formal language and jargon
• No advertisements
• Reviewed by other experts in
the field
• Published 2-12 times per year

5. How do I know which type of
resource to use?
Use magazine and newspapers for:
• Current events
• Opinions and editorials
Use trade publications for:
• Recent trends in a specific industry
Use scholarly journal articles for:
• Original research
• In-depth information and analyses