Scholarly

glossy photos.
popular, and trade.

Scholarly Journals:

Popular Magazines:

BearEssentials/BE-Articles
Trade or Subject Journals:
Trade
Scholarly vs. Popular
(225) 216-8555 ● librarian@mybrcc.edu

topic. Articles may include glossy photos.

tisements will be aimed at general readers.

aimed at those with interest in the journal’s
Generally, do not contain advertisements or
major categories of periodicals are scholarly,
When conducting research, it is important to

the research or by citation of outside sources.

derstanding by the average reader. Will often

These articles are written by those conducting
Popular

specific subject interest AND by those conduct-

know the type of publication you are using. The

These articles are written by staff writers with a

research in the field of coverage for the journal.
Books & Electronic Access to Resources

ing research in the field. Advertisements will be

These articles are written to inform & entertain.

Articles found in magazines may cover research,
The information is verified by data generated by

but the content will be simplified for greater un-

include illustrations or glossy photos, and adver-

Information Literacy Resource Series for the Magnolia Library

20090507
Scholarly Trade Popular
Primary account of original findings; Discussion of research done by others; Secondary discussion of research; general
Content
specific information; in-depth analysis practical information & methodology information; overview; narrative; opinion
Purpose Scholarly communication Inform on news, trends & products in field Inform & entertain
Author Credentials provided; subject expert Professional or writer with subject expertise Paid to write article - may not be an expert
Audience Scholars/Researchers/Students Professionals in the topic field General public or non-specialist
Specialized terminology; Specialized terminology; General usage vocabulary;
Language
requires subject expertise subject familiarity easily understood
Content supported with Graphs/Charts/ Graphs/Charts/Tables/Photographs - adver- Graphs/Charts/Tables/Photographs/
Graphics
Tables - few advertisements or photographs tisements targeted to field professionals General Advertisements
Layout/ Structured - articles have clearly Informal; evidence drawn from personal Informal; may not present
Organization defined sections, & bibliography experience or common knowledge evidence or conclusion
Peer review or referee; edited Evaluation by editorial staff who are Evaluation by editorial staff who are not
Accountability
for content, format & style subject experts; edited for format & style subject experts; edited for format & style
References Required - quotes & facts are verifiable Included, not required Rarely provided
Pagination Continuous through issues volume Each issue begins with Page 1 Each issue begins with Page 1