periodical

A periodical is a publication that is issued on a regular schedule and continues over time. Periodicals include newspapers, magazines, journals, newsletters, and other serials. They are typically produced in print, digital, or hybrid formats and are intended to be read in sequence. Common frequencies include daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annually. The regular cadence often entails volume and issue numbering and ongoing content appropriate to its specified audience.

Periodicals are commonly categorized by purpose and readership. Scholarly journals publish original research and review articles and are usually peer-reviewed; popular magazines target general audiences with feature articles and commentary; trade or professional publications serve industry professionals with news, standards, and practical guidance. Each periodical is identified by an international standard serial number (ISSN) and may be indexed in bibliographic databases and abstracting services to aid discovery and citation.

Production and access processes vary by type and format. Editorial, production, and distribution workflows shape how content is selected, edited, and delivered to readers. Libraries and libraries’ users prize periodicals for ongoing coverage of current events, research, and trends, while digital platforms enable broad online access, archival stability, and, in many cases, open access. The era of digital publishing has expanded distribution, altered business models, and increased the pace of dissemination, while many periodicals maintain strict publication timetables and policies for copyright, licensing, and preservation. Periodicals thereby play a central role in scholarly communication, journalism, and professional information ecosystems.