MODULE 7: EVALUATING PERIODICALS - SCHOLARLY JOURNALS

All types of publications may be useful for different purposes, but scholarly journals are often required for academic assignments.

Scholarly Journals Articles are written by experts Often include reports of original research May be "peer-reviewed" or "refereed," meaning the articles have gone through a critical selection process by scholars in the field Often include an introductory abstract Include citations and bibliographies Considered primary source material if presenting results from the author's original research

Click here to match up specific topics with the most apt source of information.

Note: Please be aware that these periodical categories are somewhat arbitrary. You still need to use your own critical skills to distinguish between editorials, letters, reviews, and research material, regardless of the category of periodical in which the work appears.

Evaluation Tool: Ulrich's International Periodicals Directory (Available Online ) lists important information about periodicals (ISSN number, publisher, subscription price, etc.) and it often lists the category (scholarly, trade, etc.) that best describes the periodical.