Characteristics of scholarly journals
Check this chart for information about scholarly journal characteristics.
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Authors |
Articles are written by authorities in the field |
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Sources |
Authors cite their sources in endnotes, footnotes, or bibliographies |
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Audience |
Aimed at scholarly readers (researchers, professors, or students) |
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Publisher |
Often published by academic or association presses |
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Advertisements |
Contains few to no advertisements |
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Peer-review? |
Most articles are reviewed by an author’s peers before publication to ensure high quality |
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Article scope |
Journals usually have a narrow subject focus, and articles often include original research, reviews, or essays |
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Graphics |
Illustrations often consist of charts or graphs |
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Language |
Articles use jargon of the discipline |
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Examples |
American Journal of Botany, The Academy of Management Journal, Social Research |
Characteristics of popular magazines
Check this chart for characteristics of popular magazines.
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Authors |
Articles are usually written by professional writers or journalists |
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Sources |
There are rarely bibliographies |
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Audience |
Aimed at general population |
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Publisher |
Published by commercial (for profit) presses |
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Advertisements |
Contain numerous advertisements |
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Peer-review? |
Rare |
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Article scope |
Used to inform, update, or introduce a topic to a general reader |
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Graphics |
Numerous colorful illustrations and/or photographs are usually present | |
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Language |
Language is geared to general population; no special knowledge is required |
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Examples |
Runner's World, Ebony, Time |
Characteristics of trade publications
Check the below chart for information about trade publications.
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Authors |
Articles usually written by specialists in an industry |
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Sources |
Sources are mentioned, but rarely formally cited |
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Audience |
Aimed at people in a particular profession, trade, or industry |
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Publisher |
Usually published by professional or trade associations |
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Advertisements |
Contains a few advertisements, usually targeting the particular industry |
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Peer-review? |
Generally, no peer-review process |
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Article scope |
Articles tend to be practical information, helpful to people in the industry |
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Graphics |
Some illustrations; often consisting of charts or graphs |
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Language |
Articles use jargon of the industry |
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Examples |
Adweek, Social Studies and the Young Learner, Software Development |
Anthony Guardado, Head RRC Librarian
Round Rock Campus
Avery 255A