This document discusses different types of periodicals that can be used for academic research, including popular magazines, trade journals, scholarly journals, and peer-reviewed journals. It notes that peer-reviewed journals are especially important for research papers as they present original research evaluated by experts. The document outlines the typical sections of a scholarly journal article and how to search library databases and catalogs to find periodicals.

1. A Closer Look at Periodicals

2. In Lesson 2 we discussed
the types of resources that
your professor wanted you
to use in your research.
She said that she wanted
peer-reviewed resources.

3. Periodicals are publications
that are published in new
editions on a regular basis.
There are several types of
periodicals that you will come
across while doing research.
We will examine the most
common types of periodicals
and examine how they can
assist you in your research.

4. Popular Magazines
A magazine is “a printed collection
of texts (essays, articles, stories,
poems), often illustrated, that is
produced at regular intervals
(excluding newspapers).”1
1magazine. (2011). In Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/356421/magazine

5. What makes a popular periodical?
• Articles are written by journalists for a
general readership.
• Found at most bookstores.
• Usually illustrated with color glossy
photos.
• Good for background information.

6. Trade and Technical Periodical
Trade and technical journals and magazines serve
those working in industry and commerce…. Major
discoveries in science, manufacturing methods, or
business practice tend to create a new subdivision
of technology, with its own practitioners and,
more often than not, its own magazine. Articles in
these magazines tend to be highly factual and
accurately written, by people deeply immersed
in their subjects. 2
2history of publishing. (2011). In Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/482597/publishing

7. What makes a trade periodical?
• Written by journalists who
are familiar with the field.
• Articles tend toward
business and marketing
side of the profession.
• Good for background
information.

8. Scholarly
• Scholarly journal articles are written by
and for professional experts in a
particular subject area.
• Many are published by academic
institutions or professional organizations.
• They present original research,
experiments or theories.
• Articles provide authoritative information
acceptable for a research paper.

9. Peer-Reviewed Journal
• A peer-reviewed periodical is a specific type of scholarly
publication that requires each article submitted for
publication be judged by an independent panel of experts
(scholarly or scientific peers).
• Articles not approved by a majority of these peers are not
accepted for publication by the journal.

10. Finding Scholarly Articles
The library offers many subscription services that
provide a means to search and discover journals and
articles.
Some databases are comprised entirely of scholarly
peer-reviewed journals.
Other databases offer a wide range of materials and
the researcher must learn to discern and evaluate the
type of article they have found and the authority
behind the information.

11. Check the Box!
Many subscription databases like
EBSCOhost provide a convenient
checkbox that limits all search results
to peer-reviewed journals.
Some offer filters to limit search
results to peer-reviewed articles .

12. All Peer-Reviewed!
Some subscription databases, like
Sage Premier and JSTOR offer
access to peer-reviewed journals
exclusively.
It should be noted that scholarly
journals may contain review and
editorial articles that have not
undergone the peer-review
process.

13. Anatomy of a Peer-Reviewed Article
Generally speaking, scholarly
articles follow a logical presentation.
The Abstract states the purpose and
briefly discusses the content of the
article.
Keywords highlight major concepts.
The author statement clearly
identifies the author’s credentials
and affiliations.

14. Beginning and Ending of a
Scholarly Article
Introduction – states
clearly the direction of the
article.
Conclusion – recaps and
finalizes the author’s
opinion based upon the
evidence of the research.

15. The Body
The outline of the article
follows a logical progression,
clearly marked out by section
headings.
Citations throughout the
article assure the author’s
opinion is thoroughly backed
by documented research.

16. Research Evidence
References listed at the end of
the paper demonstrate the
works used to build the
author’s argument and
conclusions.

17. Conclusion
Generally scholarly peer-reviewed articles
follow the same plan.
• Author’s Credentials and Affiliation
• Abstract (article in short form)
• Keywords
• Introduction (statement of purpose and
direction)
• Body (with citations to defend the argument)
• Conclusion (summation and final defense of
the argument)
• References (all the research used by the
author)

18. Finding Journals in the Library
There are two sources available
through the library to
determine what journals are
immediately available to you.
1. The Library Catalog
2. The A to Z Journal List

19. The A to Z Journal List
The A to Z Journal list is a tool to
discover what periodicals are
available online or in the library.
Type in a journal name and the
select SEARCH.
The results provide information
concerning the location and
available issues for a particular
journal owned by the library.

20. Library Catalog
To search for journals that are
physically in the library use the
library catalog.
Type in a journal name and the
select SEARCH.
The results provide information
about the journals location.

21. Rapid ILL
Can’t find the journal article anywhere?
Use the library service Rapid ILL.
This service retrieves articles from
college libraries all over the area.
Articles are usually sent to your e-mail
box in 48 hours.
Ask a librarian about Rapid ILL.

22. Next we’ll look at books for academic research. We will
answer the question, “How do books fit into your research?”
Do the student activity for this lesson.
After that proceed to the next lesson.
Revised Wednesday, February 4, 15.