Digital magazines have long been a source of supplementary reading in the academic setting. Not only do they offer readers niche publications on special interest topics such as photography, fashion, sports, music, DIY and dozens more but they also provide an excellent source of reliable, trusted commentary on current affairs, politics, business, science news and other academic topics.
The vast majority of students in academic settings are digital natives and prefer to find their information online. The results of a web search do not always provide the most trustworthy results, and it can be difficult for students to discern between true and false information.
The EBSCO digital magazine platform, Flipster®, provides all types of libraries with a reliable platform to offer readers access to digital magazines from top publishers. Over the past year there has been a considerable increase in the use of digital magazines in the academic setting. Not only have leisure reading picks been popular, but also academically focused magazines have seen a surge in popularity and are now being incorporated in curricula and instruction.
It is not a surprise that the popular magazines such as People, Rolling Stone, Sports Illustrated and Entertainment Weekly continue to be some of the most popular picks among readers, but the following topics and magazines have seen a considerable surge in readership in the academic setting in the past year and may be worth adding to your library’s digital collection.
1. Diverse Publications
The subject of diversity continues to be an important topic, and libraries are called to promote and elevate diverse publications, authors, illustrators, educators, and narrators to help students increase student’s knowledge, understanding and literacy on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI.)
The following digital magazines have seen a considerable increase in growth, usage and sales in the academic setting to help foster an inclusive climate:
- Diverse: Issues in Higher Education
- DIVERSEability
- Essence
- Hispanic Outlook on Education
2. Library-Specific Resources & Book Reviews
It’s no secret that the past year has presented challenges to the library industry, and it’s more important than ever to lean on the expertise and knowledge of library experts and colleagues.
The following publications have seen a historic surge in growth over the past year due to their timely and accurate updates specific to the library and publishing industry:
- Library Journal
- New York Review of Books
- School Library Journal
- Women’s Review of Books
3. Education
As the library industry has experienced remarkable change, the same can be said for education. As teachers and students quickly shifted from the physical classroom to the remote classroom, the need for support, creative approaches and expert advice has been in high demand.
The following educational magazines have seen an impressive rise in readership that will likely continue for years to come:
- Distance Learning
- eye: Early Years Educator
- Teaching Young Children
- YC: Young Children
4. Art, Fashion and Photography
One of the biggest categories of digital magazine growth in academic settings can be seen on the topics of art, fashion, design and photography. As challenging as the past year has been, it has also opened creative doors, and artists, art lovers and DIYers found themselves creating their own art or discovering new talents and finding creative ways to express themselves.
Consider and suggest the following in-demand magazines to students and teachers looking to expand their creative digital content in curriculums:
- American Cinematographer
- Animation
- Aperture
- Art in America
- Artforum International
- ARTnews
- Elle
- Esquire
- Harpers Bazaar
- ImagineFX
- Juxtapoz Art & Culture Magazine
- Poetry
- Sculpture
- Sight & Sound
- Vogue
- Wallpaper
5. Business and Marketing:
The global pandemic has certainly thrown a significant curveball to corporations, and businesses of all sizes across many industries and can be blamed for the rise and fall of particular product lines, trades and markets. Business students, teachers and professionals alike have turned to reputable publications to help guide decision making in the ever-changing business and financial landscape.
The following magazines have seen a particular increase in circulation in academic libraries:
- Adbusters
- Bloomberg Businessweek
- Choice
- Communication Arts
- Consumer Reports
- Fortune
6. Science and Health
The topics of science and health have certainly been a focal point for many students regardless of their major, and this can be seen in the swell of usage in academic libraries. The following digital magazines have experienced a strong increase in acquisition for leisure reading and coursework:
- American Scientist
- Discover
- Prevention
- Science News
7. Politics, News, History & Current Events
With the wealth of unreliable information online, it’s no surprise that many news and political magazines have experienced a boost in readership over the past few years. Students, teachers and staff alike are looking for ways to stay informed about the latest happenings in politics, news and current events.
Here are the most popular Flipster picks in academic libraries over the past year:
- American History
- Information Today
- Nation
- Natural History
- New Republic
- New Yorker
- Newsweek Global
- TIME
- Week
8. Technology & Gaming
The advancement of technology to support the increase of remote opportunities coupled with the popularity of gaming and the variety of gaming systems has given the following magazines a significant boost over the past year. Many students are also choosing career paths in video game creation, production and marketing.
- 3D World
- Comics & Gaming Magazine
- MIT Technology Review
- Popular Mechanics
- Wired
Flipster has won the Platinum award from the Modern Library Awards for four years in a row and continues to be a trusted source of digital magazines for libraries of all shapes and sizes. It offers a state-of-the-art platform, enhanced user functionality, and seamless access and an easy and intuitive reading experience. Plus, Flipster articles are discoverable within EBSCOhost® and EBSCO Discovery Service™ search results.
