Types of Periodicals:
Scholarly Journals, Popular Magazines, Newspapers and Trade Publications

Different types of publications have different purposes and different audiences. When we talk about journals/magazines,
we can usually divide these publications into three broad categories: scholarly journals, popular magazines, and trade publications.

Scholarly Journals Authors are authorities in their fields. Authors cite their sources in endnotes, footnotes, or bibliographies.  Individual issues have little or no advertising.  Articles must go through a peer-review or refereed process.  Articles are usually reports on scholarly research.  Illustrations usually take the form of charts and graphs.  Articles use jargon of the discipline.

Trade Publications Authors are specialists in a certain field or industry. Authors often mention sources, but rarely formally cite them in bibliographies. Intended audience includes people in the industry or people seeking employment in the industry. There is no peer review process. Articles give practical information to people in an industry. Some illustrations are included, usually charts, graphs, etc. Authors use jargon of the industry.

Examples of the four major categories of periodicals:

Adapted with permission from University Library. California State University Northridge. Scholarly Journals, Popular Magazines,
and Trade Publications.

Comments and suggestions to Barbara Quintiliano, Instructional Design Librarian