Page 231 - DLIS003_LIBRARY ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT

Library Administration and Management

Notes Listed below are some overall characteristics of different types of periodical publications to
consider:

12.5.1 Academic/Scholarly/Refereed/Peer-reviewed Journals

Academic journals publish scholarly and peer-reviewed (also known as refereed) articles. The
most important characteristic of scholarly articles that separates them from general or popular
ones is that their data and information have been extensively checked and documented. If a
scholarly article has been peer-reviewed, that means it has gone through a process in which a
panel board of experts (usually other academics) have reviewed its contents and decided it was
suitable for publication.

Example: Scholarly journals include JAMA, New England Journal of Medicine, Science
and the Harvard Business Review.
Other Characteristics:

Academic journals contain extensive, lengthy and detailed articles.
Articles are written by specialists and experts doing original research within a particular
field of study.

Articles are reviewed and evaluated by other specialist in the field before they are published.
Articles are intended for professors, researchers, students, and others in the academic
community.

Articles written in technical or professional language of the field.
A bibliography is always given at the end of each article.
Usually plain in appearance containing little if any advertisements.

12.5.2 Popular Periodicals

Popular periodicals do not cite their sources. While they are good sources for background
material, you should not expect them to provide you with bibliographies or other cited works
for additional reference.

Example: Popular periodicals include magazines like Time, Newsweek, US News and
World Report, and Vogue.
Other Characteristics:
Articles usually give a broad overview of a topic.
The information provided is usually written in an informal and general way so that
anyone can understand the subject manner.
Articles are usually written by staff writers and other non-specialist.
The main objective of these publications is entertainment, advertising, and the marketing
of particular viewpoints.
They usually contain colourful photographs, drawings, graphics and advertisements.
They are often attractive in appearance.

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