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Types of Periodicals

The table below can help you understand the differences between scholarly journals, professional/trade journals, and popular periodicals. 

Peer Reviewed = Scholarly?
Not always. Scholarly implies an academic audience whereas some non-scholarly works can undergo editorial review or review by peers.

Comparison of Scholarly, Professional, and Popular Periodicals
Criteria Scholarly Journals Professional/Trade Journals Popular Periodicals/ Magazines
Audience Researchers and experts Members of a trade or profession The general public
Author Researchers and experts Staff writers and experts in the field Staff writers, although many articles are unsigned
References (Sources cited)
 Includes reference lists and bibliography. All quotes and facts are documented.
 Reference lists sometimes included.

 References rarely included.
Purpose To disseminate research findings  To publicize current topics in the field and professional issues To disseminate general information or to entertain
Content Detailed research reports and methodologies  Trends, standards, and new technologies in the field General interest stories and news; may include personal narrative and opinions
Language Jargon that assumes expertise in the field Jargon that assumes expertise in the field Language that requires no expertise
Publisher Associations or universities Associations Commercial organizations
Layout Highly structured organization; includes abstract, bibliography, charts or graphs Structured organization; usually includes abstract, bibliography, charts or graphs Informal organization: eye-catching type and format; includes illustrations or photographs
Examples Journal of the American Medical Association; Political Science Quarterly Hospital Business Week; Real Estate Weekly News; Farm Industry News
 Time; Newsweek; Science News

Locating Periodicals

Current and bound periodicals are arranged by discipline and located in the appropriate subject library. For the location of specific periodicals, check the CAT:

  • Click on "Begins with (Browse)" or "Exact" (use "exact" only if you are sure of the exact title).
  • Use the TITLE of the JOURNAL as the search term
  • Select "Journal Title" from the drop-down box
  • Title should be in the second position in the resulting list if PSU owns it
  • To find periodicals by field rather than title, use a keyword command that includes the word "periodical" with the broad subject (for example, "nursing and periodicals").

For many periodicals, the full text of articles is available through the Databases by Title (A-Z list).The CAT also has links to the electronic magazines and journals to which the Libraries subscribe.

The "E-Journals Portal" and the "Citation Linker" are also useful tools to use in determining if PSU subscribes to a particular e-journal.

In the event that PSU does not own the journal in paper or subscribe to it electronically, patrons can request specific articles through Interlibrary Loan.