Answered By: Reference Staff
Last Updated: May 28, 2021     Views: 706

A trade journal or trade magazine is a publication that focuses on news, trends and issues in a particular industry or trade group. Articles and news features target topics of interest to professionals in the industry. Publications are often part of a membership in an association.  

Common characteristics include:

  • articles focus on industry news, professional skills, and trends
  • articles may be reporters or experts in their field
  • may include photos or illustrations
  • target audience is professionals and practitioners
  • advertisements for products and services related to the field

(Adapted from JWULibrary)

Trade journal articles are often scholarly/academic in nature, but not generally peer-reviewed.

Finding Trade Journals

  • Trade periodicals are usually associated with a specific field and often found as part of a membership in an association. 
    • Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good source to locate associations in your field.
  • JEWL Search allows for refining your results to Source Types which can include Trade Publications.
    • You may need to click on Show More to find them.

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