What are academic journals?
Academic journals are where researchers contribute to the conversations in their fields. Articles are written for other researchers within that field. Research builds upon research to take the field's conversations in new directions.
Who writes in them?
Researchers can work at universities or in industries. Those publishing in journals are leaders in their field.
What's special about them?
In addition to being the main place where researchers publish their findings and ideas, these articles undergo the peer review process. Unique to these publications, the peer review process is one whereby other experts in the field review submissions prior to publication. Reviewers are looking for quality research that drives the topic forward in new directions.
How do I access these materials?
Through subscriptions that the library pays for on your behalf with your (and the state's) money. Start your searches from the library website. We even have a sign on link for Google Scholar so you can access subscriptions there.
Is popular bad then?
No. Popular refers to the work that journalists do in magazines and newspapers to communicate the research and events happening in various specialized fields. You're just not going to find original research there.
