Journals are published in a variety of formats, containing either easy to read content, broad subject information or more in-depth research content. The type of journal content that we focus on in University are subject focused academic journals which provide in-depth research and scholarly debate in all subject fields. Articles are researched and written by experts so as to provide a means of communicating, debating or critiquing original research and expanding knowledge in all disciplines. Researchers test out new developments, focus on specific issues, problem solving or highlighting future trends.
Academic journals can also be referred to as periodicals or serials.
They are published at regular intervals (such as daily, weekly, monthly) andmay be available both in print and online. Some journal titles especially those for art, design and architecture are only available in print format but most of the journals the Library subscribe to are available online and you can access them through the library catalogue. Use the search area "Find Online Resources" to search for articles on your topic as it will give you a good overview of what is available. It can be more useful to search subject specific e-journals databases for example "LexisLibrary" for legal topics, "ScienceDirect" for science and social science topics, "Education Research Complete" for education. Consult your subject area on the A-Z Subject guides, Key Subject Collections Databases for more information.
Library Catalogue Search Screen
1 Search our Catalogue to find print and all types of material except articles in journals
2. Use "Find Online Resources" to find articles from journals.
3. London Met Repository
Find the research output from London Metropolitan Staff researchers.
4. Look at "Popular Resources" for specific ejournals collections by subject, financial databases, Law databases, market mesearch, video talks etc.
Articles
Articles are published in journals. There are usually several articles written by different authors in each issue of a journal. Journal articles tend to cover more specific topics than books; they are also published more quickly than books and so can be a very good source of current information or research on a topic.
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There are two main types of journals:
Trade or professional journals
Academic or peer-reviewed journals.
Academic or Scholarly Journals
Academic journal articles are typically written by academics or scholars who have conducted research in their area of expertise and discuss the findings of that research. They may also discuss current issues in depth, citing other research and theory. Due to the depth of research articles can be over 10 pages long.
For example of journals in a specific subject area go to Key Journals to view some indicative titles. This image shows an example for Psychology.
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What is peer-review?
Academic journal articles are usually peer-reviewed, meaning that they have been reviewed and examined by other experts in the field before publication. Peer-review is used to judge whether an article and the research it is based on is of high enough quality to be published in the journal.
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Why should I read Academic or Scholarly research?
By reading peer-reviewed journal articles and citing them in your assignments you can show your tutors that you have undertaken your own research to find high quality, academic information. It is also good to support the points you wish to make in your essays with evidence from peer-reviewed research. This really will help improve your marks!
Characteristics of Academic/Scholarly Journals
cover specific topics in detail
written by experts or academics
reviewed by experts so has been through a quality assurance process
usually presents in-depth analysis
is evidence-based meaning that additional proof or research has been updated with new information.
Provide good, quality information
Have a look at other types of journals you may need to use depending on your assignment topic.
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