Module 2: Finding Journal Articles

2.1 Types of Journals

Some assignments require the use of scientific journal articles.

Journals are a good source of information. They are published on a regular basis, they will have the latest developments in a particular field. Some journals publish articles that report on the outcomes of academic research while others provide practical information to practitioners in the field.

You may also hear them called serials or periodicals - the less scholarly ones are what we all know as magazines.

The Library subscribes to a range of journal types from industry magazines through to journals that detail academic research and debate. Two very common types are scientific and trade publications.

Scientific Journals:

• Contain articles detailing the results of scientific research
  
• Often contain scientific data - tables, graphs and photographs
  
• Provide lists of references at the end of each article
  
• Conform to a common format - abstract, introduction, materials & methods, results and discussion
  
• Are generally black and white or "non-glossy" publications
  
• Are often reviewed by peer researchers, specialists in the field of study, to ensure quality
  

Trade Journals/Magazines:

• Are industry & practitioner centred rather than research based
  
• Contain advertisements for industry products and services
  
• Are glossy, colourful publications which attract the reader
  
• Contain short articles and news items for general reader interest