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Doing research Choosing a topic Evaluating sources Using the Internet Citing sources Working from home Using the Library Find a book in our catalog Search for a journal article Use the Library web page Access eReserve materials Contact a librarian RESEARCH GUIDES Take a quiz Virtual library tours Library homepage CCCCD homepage *TILT homepage Contact us

Evaluating Sources: Journals If your professor says you need to find scholarly information for your paper, you should choose a journal rather than a popular magazine. A journal is a collection of articles usually written by scholars in an academic or professional field. An editorial board reviews articles to decide whether they should be accepted. Articles in journals can cover very specific topics or narrow fields of research. Since journals are published on a regular or periodic basis they are grouped in the category called "periodicals." What is the difference between a popular magazine and a scholarly journal? Journals are written for other scholars, researchers or professionals. Journals contain long, in-depth articles which cover case studies and report research. Journal articles have abstracts at the beginning and bibliogrpahies (list of references) at the end. Journals contain few photographs or advertisements. Journals are usually sponsored by an academic or professional association. Journals are often published on a quarterly basis. (WInter, Spring, Summer, Fall.) Journal databases in our Library collection: NOTE: Some of the publications in the Library databases are popular magazines rather than scholarly journals. Be sure you understand the difference and can recognize each before you choose your reserach materials for a project. Still have questions? Contact a librarian for help: Encyclopedias Magazines Newspapers Books Journals

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Collin County Community College District

Last Updated 07.15.04