Communication Science: E-Journals

Journals offer several advantages, particularly for researchers, students, and professionals:

1. Credibility and Peer Review: Academic journals typically involve a peer review process, which helps ensure the credibility and quality of the published research. This process involves experts in the field evaluating the research before publication.

2. Specialization: Journals often focus on specific disciplines or sub-disciplines, providing in-depth coverage of specialized topics that might not be available in general sources.

3. Current Research: Journals frequently publish the latest research findings, keeping readers up-to-date with recent developments and trends in their field.

4. Detailed Information: Articles in journals are usually comprehensive, providing detailed methodologies, data, and analyses that allow for a deeper understanding of the topic.

5. Citations and References: Journals offer a wealth of references and citations that can be used for further research. They often include extensive bibliographies that lead to additional relevant studies.

6. Academic Recognition: Publishing in reputable journals is often considered a significant achievement and can enhance the academic reputation of researchers. It contributes to their professional development and career advancement.

7. Access to Research Networks: Journals often facilitate access to research networks and communities, fostering collaboration and discussion among researchers and professionals in the field.

8. Structured Content: The structured format of journal articles, including abstracts, introductions, methods, results, and conclusions, helps readers quickly find and understand the key points of the research.

9. Archival Value: Journals serve as a permanent record of research and scholarship, preserving knowledge for future generations. They are often archived and accessible for long-term reference.

10. Academic Integrity: The rigorous review process and ethical standards of academic journals help maintain academic integrity and prevent the dissemination of false or misleading information.

Journals can vary in format and content, including:

1. Academic Journals: These publish research articles, reviews, and theoretical papers in various disciplines like science, humanities, and social sciences. They often follow a rigorous peer-review process.

2. Professional Journals: Aimed at practitioners in a particular field, these may include practical advice, case studies, and industry news.

3. Personal Journals: Unlike academic or professional journals, personal journals are private records of individual experiences, thoughts, and reflections. These are not intended for publication but rather for personal use.

 

To access journals using the library catalogue Primo, follow these steps:

Open Primo:

• ​​​​​​​Go to your library’s website and find the Primo search interface.

Search for Journals:

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Enter the journal title, ISSN, or related keywords into the search bar. You can use Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to refine your search if needed.

Apply Filters:

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Once you’ve executed the search, use the filters on the left side of the page to narrow down your results. Filters may include resource type, publication date, subject, and more. Select “Journals” or “Periodicals” as your resource type if available.
• Select a Journal:
• Browse through the search results to find the journal you need. Click on the title to view more details.

Check Availability:

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​In the journal’s detailed view, check for availability. There might be links to online access, physical copies, or information about where to find the journal in the library.

Access Full Text:

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​If the journal is available online, look for a link to the full text or the publisher’s site. You may need to log in with your library credentials to access subscription-based content.

Use the Library's Link Resolver:

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​If the journal is not immediately accessible through Primo, there might be a link resolver or a “Find It” button that will guide you to alternative ways to access the journal, including interlibrary loan options.

1. Contact Library Support:

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​If you encounter difficulties or need further assistance, reach out to your library's ask a librarian  or speak to your librarian

For more information:

Please contact :Faculty of Arts Librarian

Ms. Faith Nsele

E-mail Address                                : NseleF@unizulu.ac.za

Location                                           : 2nd Floor

Tel                                                    : 0359026688