Life Sciences and IBERS: Why use journals and articles?

A journal is a publication focusing on a particular subject area which can contain articles, letters, research, opinions and reviews written by different authors.

Journals are published at regular intervals, such as weekly, monthly or quarterly.

• Each copy is an issue.
• A set of issues makes a volume (usually each year is a separate volume).
• Journals are also known as periodicals or serials.

They can be found in print format, online or both.

The Library provides staff and students of the University with free access to a wide range of digital resources such as e-journals, full-text e-articles and databases.

Anything you see on Primo or in our Libraries with PER in the classmark, it is a journal containing short papers or articles on specific topics.

Anything you see with SCI PER in the classmark, it is a journal located on Level E, Hugh Owen Library and is a SCIENCE journal.

You'll find these journals:

• bound together as volumes or
• filed In pamphlet boxes 

Why should I use them?

• Quicker access to current information compared to books  
• Keeps you updated on new developments in your field
• Journal articles are published more quickly than books, so can be more up to date
• Provides specific, detailed information in a concise, scholarly format  
• Topics may not yet be covered in books
• Features quality research with academic credibility and peer review
• Important sources for subject information or research
• They often cover a subject in depth and include original research