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COMS 2330 - COLAS: Types of Periodicals

Head of Information Studies

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Vivian Bynoe
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Scholarly, Trade, and Popular Periodicals

What's the Difference? There are  3 main types of periodicals you will find in college libraries:

  • Scholarly Journals (e.g., International Journal of Middle East Studies)
  • Trade Journals ( e.g.,  Advertising Age)
  • Popular periodicals (e.g., Time, Discover)

Still not sure what "periodical" means? Take a look at "Comparison of Types" document-you may notice that the criteria bear a striking resemblance to the CRAAP Test...not familiar with CRAAP criteria?  take a look at the CRAAP Test document.

Comparison Table

These criteria are useful for evaluating the appropriateness of a periodical for your project.  In your FYE course, at Georgia Southern, you have probably read about or are familiar with the CRAAP Test.  You may notice that many of these criteria are similar.  (click the link to view Georgia Southern's CRAAP Test guide).