What is a trade publication or trade magazine?

Answered By: Reference Staff

Last Updated: Feb 25, 2020 Views: 13

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.