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Evaluating Sources: Magazines

 A magazine is a collection of articles and images about diverse topics of popular interest including current events.

Usually these articles are written by journalists and are geared toward the average adult. Magazines may cover very "serious" material, but to find scholarly research information, you should use journals.

Magazines and newspapers, are often called "periodicals" or "serials" because they are published at regular intervals throughout the year.

What is the difference between a popular magazine and a scholarly journal?
  • Popular magazines are written for the general public.
    [Journals are written for other scholars, researchers or professionals.]
  • Popular magazine articles are generally short and cover a broad range of topics.
    [Journals contain long, in-depth articles which cover case studies and report research.]
  • Popular magazine articles do not have abstracts at the beginning and bibliogrpahies (list of references) at the end.
  • Popular magazines contain lots of photographs and advertisements.
  • Popular magazines are often published weekly or monthly, rather than quarterly or annually.
Magazine databases in our Library collection:

NOTE: Some of the publications in the Library databases are popular magazines and some are 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:

Questions or Comments?
Collin County Community College District
Last Updated 07.15.04
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