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Periodicals: Popular Magazines & Newspapers

Periodical is the generic term which includes popular magazines, scholarly journals, newspapers, and subject or professional publications that are published at fixed intervals.

Look at the Article

  • Usually only one author; staff-written or written by freelance authors or guest contributors
  • Article length is usually short
  • Article titles include popular or catchy words/phrases
  • Article does not have an abstract at the beginning
  • Sources are not cited; no references or bibliography at the end of an article

Look at the Whole Issue

  • May have Magazine or popular words in the publication title (e.g. BusinessWoman, Mother Jones, People)
  • Issued frequently (weekly, biweekly, or monthly)
  • Eye-catching covers, glossy paper, photos, illustrations, cartoons, sidebars
  • Many ads for general-consumer products and services
  • Audience is educated but not expert; uses simple language in order to meet minimum education levels
  • Purpose is to entertain or persuade readers with a variety of general interest topics in broad subject fields
  • Likely to be found on a newsstand or in a bookstore

Magazine & Newspaper Tutorial

Databases to Use

Subjects: Reference