What is a magazine?

Magazines are published regularly (periodically). They contain:

• Easy-to-understand articles on popular topics
• Interviews
• Personal stories
• Review of current events
• Reviews of products and movies,and performances

How do I know it's a magazine?

• Colorful layout
• Images and photos
• Advertisements

How do I know it's a magazine?

• Does the article have a catchy title?
• Is the writing informal and easy to understand?
• Are paragraphs short with subheadings?

Tip: Some database vendors include a PDF so you can see the print layout.

How do I know it's a magazine?

A magazine title may include words such as:

• Magazine
• Illustrated
• Popular
• Weekly
• Hobbies (dogs, photography, tennis)
• Target audience (teens, consumers, Los Angeles)

How do I know it's a magazine?

Does Google's search snippet include the word "magazine?"

How do I know it's a magazine?

Find the periodical's website:

• Are the graphics and content typical of a magazine?
• Does the publisher call it a magazine (see "About" and "Press Information")?

Does this article have the information I need?

• In the database record, review the subject terms
• Read the abstract
• In print, skim the section headings

Always check: Does this add new information or a different viewpoint?

How do I evaluate an article's currency?

If recent information is essential to understanding your topic, check the following:

• The date the magazine was published
• The dates of the sources that the author quotes or cites

How do I evaluate the author's knowledge?

A credible contributor might:

• Write about this topic regularly
• Have first-hand knowledge of a person
• Seen or participated in an event
• Have a degree in this field
• Do research on this topic
• Work in a related field

Tip: If a magazine author is unnamed or a member of the editorial staff, evaluate the content.

How do I evaluate an article's credibility?

Is the writer's purpose to persuade, analyze or describe?

• Does the author explain more than one position?
• Are statements supported by evidence?
• Where can I check the statistics?
• Are vivid or loaded words used?

Always check: Does this make sense, given what I already know?

How do I cite a magazine article?

Gather elements for your citation from the database record or print magazine.

• Title
• Author
• Pages
• Magazine name
• Publication month, day and year