Key Characteristics of an Academic Journal

• approach is scholarly / theoretical rather than practical / applied. Articles make significant contribution to research in the area
• subject area typically well-defined in front or back pages of each issue.
• articles are properly referenced (footnotes, endnotes and/or bibliography)
• articles typically selected by an editorial board comprised of peers (usually indicated inside the front cover)
• presence of the word "JOURNAL" in the title usually a good indication
• category does NOT include newspapers, popular magazines, trade publications, etc.
• typically maintains its own editorial standards/style guide for submissions
• typically no pictures; very few advertisements (if any); not glossy.

Three Modes of Access:

Library Catalogue (All formats)

• accessible by JOURNAL TITLE in McMaster's library catalogue

e-Journal Portal

• McMaster subscribes to thousands of electronic journals
• List (with hotlinks) available via the library''s e-Journal Portal.
• Library Catalogue records also indicate if an electronic version is available to authorized McMaster users
• Electronic versions are sometimes limited runs (eg. rolling 12 months only). Period of coverage listed on the site.

Databases (e.g., Business Source Complete, CPI.Q, etc.)

• provide access to hundreds of articles in journals
• claim to be full text, but are usually "selective" in some ways
• maintain large backfiles and robust search engines
• all available via Library Catalogue or the Databases search