Scholarly and professional journals serve as the major medium for communication in most academic and professional disciplines. In scholarly journals you will discover the published findings of original research. Original research is primary rather than secondary material, an important distinction for some research projects. Articles in periodicals are also the best source of information for reading about recent events and topics of current interest. Serial is the broadest term for these types of publications.
Serials are any publications that are issued in parts over an indefinite time period.
They include periodicals but also proceedings, annuals, reviews, and irregular publications. Periodicals are publications that are issued in frequent regular intervals. They include magazines, journals, and newspapers. The distinction between magazines and journals is small but can be important. Generally magazines are considered to be of popular interest.