PERIODICAL PUZZLER (Works with Internet Explorer only)

The Puzzler will help you distinguish among the following different types of periodicals: Scholarly Journals; Substantial News Magazines; Popular Magazines; and Newspapers. The game is scored -- see how well you do!

To start, click on one of the categories on the left-hand column (EXAMPLES, PURPOSE, INTENDED AUDIENCE, etc.) Four definitions will appear on the right side of the screen.
Your task is to drag and drop each definition piece to the table, correctly matching it to its correct category. When you click on EXAMPLES, you will see four lists of periodical titles. Put the newspaper titles in the newspaper column, the scholarly journals in the scholarly journal column, etc. The goal is to completely fill in the table.
SCORING: Each piece matched to its correct category earns 5 points. Each incorrect attempt loses 1 point.

When you are finished, you will have a table listing some of the distinguishing characteristics of different types of periodicals. These descriptions are only general rules, and as with all rules, there are exceptions. Physical appearance can give you clues to determine the type of periodical, but it is also important to evaluate the content of each article to determine its credibility and usefulness.

If you are still unsure whether a periodical is considered an academic/scholarly journal, look up the title in Ulrich's International Periodicals Directory. Ulrich's records include a field Document Type, which will categorize the journal. For example, the journal Social Forces has a Document Type: Academic/Scholarly.

LIBRARY GUIDE: What are the Differences Among Types of Periodicals?

LIBRARY ASSISTANCE: Ask A Librarian

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