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This page contains information exploring general interest and popular magazine articles as well as links to citation information, KU Libraries' "Ask a Librarian" instant messenger, and KU Libraries' locations and hours.
General Interest Magazines
- Aimed at educated, non-specialized audience.
- No background knowledge or expertise is assumed about the audience
- Articles written by journalists, free-lance writers or staff writers
- Often sources not cited
- Published on a weekly or monthly basis.
- Often author’s credentials are not cited
- Usually no citations
- Contain color advertising/glossy paper
- Published by a commercial enterprise or professional organization
Examples of general interest magazines include National Geographic, The Atlantic, or The Economist.
Popular Magazines
- Almost exclusively for entertainment purposes
- Sources rarely cited
- Articles very short
- Often unsigned or the author’s credentials are not cited
- No citations
- Mass appeal to the public
- Contain color advertising/glossy paper
- Published by a commercial enterprise
Examples of popular magazines include GQ, Cosmopolitan, and Sports Illustrated.
Citing Sources
Click on these links for writing help and for information on citing sources.
- Citing in MLA formatClick on these links for information on citing the sources of your research in MLA or APA format. Click on the KU writing center logo below to go the KU Writing Center's homepage.
- Citing in APA formatFind out more about how to use APA citation and how to write in APA style by following this link.
- KU Writing CenterGet help with brainstorming, researching, writing, organizing, and refining your writing at the KU Writing Center.
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