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Journals & Magazines

Information is available in general and subject specific magazines and journals. They are also called “serials” or "periodicals," because they are usually published in parts and in regular intervals.

Journals

Examples: American Psychologist, Current Issues in Economics and Finance, European History Quarterly

• Narrow subject focus, written for scholars in the field
• Journals usually have somber, serious covers
• Written by scholars in the field
• Have footnotes and bibliographies
• Articles are often reviewed by an author's peers before publication ("peer-reviewed" or "refereed")
• Generally available only on a subscription basis
• Published by academic or association presses

Magazines

Examples: National Geographic, Travel and Leisure, Sports Illustrated

• Subject field is broad, written for a general audience
• Glossy, generally with photographs, short articles, contain advertisement
• Usually written by regular staff (journalists)
• Usually don't contain bibliographies and sources may not be cited
• Generally available at news stands and by subscription
• Published by commercial presses or by specific professional organizations