The covers are simple, generally without illustrations. Sometimes the table of contents is printed on the cover. The authors of the articles are always identified and at the end of the article is a bibliography. Magazines are intended to inform and entertain. They will contain articles on varied topics of popular interest.
Magazines are easy to read and contain advertising and colorful pictures.
An academic library generally will have only a few magazines as the majority of the collection will be journals. They are purchased at magazine stands and local stores. The theater student will generally not use magazine articles as a source of information for their research. There are exceptions, such as news articles on pertinent topics or performance reviews. If you have any questions concerning the type of materials that are to be used for your assignment, be sure to discuss this with your professor.