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Different Types of Periodicals
The terms magazine, journal, periodical, and serial are often used interchangeably. However, some distinctions can be made. Periodical is a general term that can be applied to any publication that is issued periodically (e.g., weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annual publications).

Note: All periodicals are located on the 2nd floor of the Biscay Bay campus library and are arranged alphabetically by the call number of the periodical.

Some specific types of periodicals are described below:
Type Characteristics Examples
Newspapers and Magazines
  • Popular in nature


  • Written by reporters for a general audience


  • Usually no footnotes or bibliography


 [various newspapers and magazines]
Journals
  • Scholarly or professional focus


  • Written by experts in the field for a specialized audience


  • Include footnotes and bibliographies


 [various journals]
Trade Publications
  • Written by and for people within a particular field or industry


  • Includes industry information and statistics


 [various trade magazines]

Chapter 2, Page 20

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