Guide to Library Terminology
- What are Periodicals?
Periodicals are publications that contain a number of articles on various subjects by different authors AND are published at regular intervals (daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc.) Magazines, journals, and newspapers are different types of periodicals.
- What is a Magazine?
A magazine is a publication that is intended for a general audience. It's articles are usually short, with little depth. The articles are most often written by members of the magazine staff, who either write about a personal experience, or interview others about the topic of interest. Magazines often contain lots of advertising and flashy images or graphics. However, because they report quickly and simply on current interest topics, it is common for there to be many errors in their reporting.
- What is a Journal?
A journal is different from a magazine in a number of ways. First of all, they are published less frequently. A journal is often targeted for a very specific audience, and frequently published by a professional organization as a benefit to its members. The pages are often numbered sequentially through an entire year, so that, for instance, the February issue begins counting on, say, page 206. The articles are written by subject specialists in the field, and are also reviewed by other members of the field. Depending on the area of interest, the articles are significantly longer, and may include detailed statistical information. There is little advertising. The articles may have gone through a rigorous selection process before publication. The method of selection may be called 'double blind,' 'juried' or 'peer reviewed.' Because of the rigor of this process, journals are considered 'Scholarly' publications. A significant time lag may appear between the time of a study and its publication to reduce the potential for significant errors.
- Where are the periodicals located?
This is getting trickier. Periodicals may be available in either paper or electronic format (full text). Those that are hiding electronically are not presently listed in any single source - even for the librarians. Additionally, they may only include certain years.
IF IN PAPER,
Latest issues: On current periodicals shelves on the main floor arranged alphabetically by Title. 'Popular' titles and Newspapers are located in the Browsing Area - main floor, back from the Reference Desk.
Older issues: Bound volumes are shelved in remote storage. If you need an older issue, fill out an orange card at the Circulation Desk (where you check out books), and the student will bring it out for you.
Microfilm/microfiche: In file cabinets near the Circulation Desk on the main floor, filed alphabetically by Title.
If the library does not subscribe to a periodical in paper, don't despair. Many are now coming to us full text through various databases. THIS IS NOT THE INTERNET! Periodicals may be 'hidden' within the electronic Indexes from the library Indexes page. Some indexes will be more fruitful than others (some have no full text at all). Try any index with the word 'academic' in its title first. If your journal is not there, expand your search or consult a librarian.
Designed and Created by Jeneen LaSee-Willemssen & Laura Jacobs
Last updated: September 01, 2000
Copyright © 2000. All Rights Reserved.
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