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Types of Periodicals

Information sources come in a variety of genres or types, each marked by specific characteristics and target audiences. Among the broader categories you will find:

Periodical	Characteristics	UTSA Library Access	Examples
Popular Magazine	Current events overviews Non-technical language Glossy pictures Advertisements	Use Basic Research Databases such as: ProQuest Research Library	Newsweek People
Scholarly Journal	Reports of original research In-depth analysis of topics Uses technical vocubulary Format may contain: Methods, Results, Conclusion, Bibliography, etc.	Use Subject Indexes such as: PsycINFO	Journal of Resarch in Personality Journal of the American Medical Association
Newspaper	Current information News stories and commentary Texts of speeches, etc. Geographic focus	Use News Databases such as: NewsBank Newsfile	San Antonio Express News New York Times
Trade Journal	Written for practitioners in applied fields Product information Current trends and practices	Use Basic Research Databases or Subject Indexes such as: ProQuest Research Library Library Literature	Variety Beverage World
Journal of Opinion	Written from a political viewpoint General educated audience Commentary on politics, society	Use Basic Research Databases such as: ProQuest Research Library	New Republic Nation