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Guide to Library Research for Core Seminar: 3c. Types of Periodicals

Use this guide to access resources and information to help you complete your research paper for this class.

Brooklyn Campus Library Periodicals

Find full text magazines, journals, and newspapers in all formats here.

Periodicals in Electronic Format

While it can be difficult to distinguish between the various types of periodicals when they are in electronic format, many databases now allow researchers to initially search by or later sort their results by type of publication.

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:

    

Distinguishing Types of Periodicals

Posted with permission of Lori Micho, Johnson & Wales University

Academic Journals

Also known as scholarly, refereed, or peer-reviewed journals.

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.

Author/Authority: Articles written by researchers or scholars in the field who report the results of original research.

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:

         

General Interest Magazines

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:

         

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