A Closer Look at Periodicals

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.

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.

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

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.

Trade and Technical PeriodicalTrade 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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.

The BodyThe 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.

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

ConclusionGenerally 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)

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 Catalog2. The A to Z Journal List

The A to Z Journal ListThe 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.

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.

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.

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.