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Printable Checklist
Below are listed differences
between scholarly and popular publications. If you have any difficulty
determining if a publication is popular or scholarly, ask a librarian
for assistance.
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Scholarly Sources |
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Have a sober, "scholarly"
look
Sources are always cited
Bibliography or reference page
Authors have educational/professional background to write on
topic
Language is "jargon" of the discipline
Very few ads -- mostly for employment
May contain charts, graphs
Report on original research or experiments
Articles are geared toward professionals in the field
Articles are "reviewed," "peer reviewed"
or "refereed"
Found in libraries/research centers
In-depth articles may be several pages long
Published monthly, quarterly, annually |
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Popular Sources |
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Attractive cover
Many advertisements for products
Paper is "slick and glossy"
Language is easy to understand
No discipline "jargon" language
Articles are short -- no in-depth coverage on topic
Articles are geared toward the general public
Articles are written by reporters, staff -- not experts
No bibliography
Found at bookstores, newsstands, grocery stores
Published weekly/monthly |
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Sensational Sources |
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Author information (education, etc)
is not listed
No bibliography or references
Language is very easy to read
Photographs may be in color or black and white
Often in newspaper form
Information in articles cannot be verified
Contains ads for products
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Substantive News/General Interest |
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Author information rarely listed
No bibliography or references provided
Language is geared toward a basic (high school) education
Numerous color photographs
Ads for products
Content is current news/hot topics |
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Trade Publications |
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Contains "jargon" language
for specific trades
Contains color or black and white photographs
Contains ads for products
Author information is usually not provided
Rarely contains bibliographic or reference sources |
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Getting Assistance |
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If you cannot determine if an article
is popular or scholarly, ask a librarian for assistance. |
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