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Articles: How to Identify, Find, and Use Them

This guide introduces key article types and shows where to find them using academic library tools and databases.

Definition & Purpose

Definition & Purpose

Magazine articles are published in general-interest or subject-specific magazines and are typically written by journalists or editors. They are designed to inform or entertain a broad audience using accessible language and attractive visuals.

While not peer-reviewed, magazine articles can still provide useful content for research — particularly in fields such as marketing, communications, sociology, and cultural analysis.

These articles may cover:

  • Consumer trends and behavior
  • Public reactions to products or brands
  • Social debates and opinion pieces
  • Cultural movements and media campaigns

When to Use Magazine Articles

When to Use Magazine Articles

Magazine content may support your research when:

  • You are analyzing public perception of a product, company, or campaign
  • You are exploring media influence on culture, identity, or consumer behavior
  • You are studying trends in marketing and advertising
  • You are evaluating narratives and imagery used in branding, lifestyle media, or entertainment coverage

Example: In a study on eco-conscious branding, articles from magazines such as Forbes, Wired, or The Atlantic can help trace how sustainability narratives are framed in mainstream media.

Where to Find Magazine Articles

Where to Find Magazine Articles

Use the following databases to find magazine content relevant to business, society, and media studies:

  • Business Source Complete: Includes magazines such as Forbes, Fortune, and Bloomberg Businessweek.
  • Factiva: Extensive global magazine coverage with business and financial insights.
  • CBCA Complete: Canadian business and current affairs publications including popular magazines.
  • ProQuest Central: Multidisciplinary database covering business, marketing, media, and general interest magazines.
  • Eureka: French-language magazines, news, and cultural publications from Québec and beyond.

Tip: Use filters such as “magazines” or “periodicals” to refine your search in these databases.