Skip to Main Content

SOCI 4630 - Senior Seminar - WALSH

Tutorial on Types of Periodicals & Types of Articles

Introduction

This guide will familiarize you with the types of publications you will find in college and university libraries, first in print and later online. 

Specifically we will look at scholarly journals, trade journals and popular magazines--and how they differMainly, we want you to think about what makes a source appropriate for a college paper or presentation. 

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 "Step 2-Comparison of Types" tab-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.