Wednesday October 02, 2013
Library Hours: 7:30am to 12:00am
Finding and Using Scholarly Sources
- Scholarly sources and peer-review
- Why use scholarly sources?
- Distinguishing between types of publications
Eastern Michigan University Library
Distinguishing Between Types of Publications
Scholarly Journals, Professional and Trade Publications, and Popular Magazines
| Scholarly Journals | Professional/Trade Publications | Popular/General Interest Magazines | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Report original research or theories to advance knowledge | Provide practical information for members of a profession, industry, or organization: news, trends, products, research summaries | Provide information, news, opinions, entertainment to the general public |
| Writing Style | Uses specialized vocabulary or jargon. Requires prior training or subject expertise to understand. | Uses specialized vocabulary or jargon. Requires prior training or subject expertise to understand. | Uses vocabulary understood by the general public, including those with an upper elementary education |
| References / Bibliography | Documentation of sources, quotes, facts, and ideas is required. Must be cited in footnotes or a bibliography. | Documentation of sources not required, though there are sometimes brief bibliographies of further readings | Documentation of sources is not required and is rare |
| Advertisements | Few, if any, advertisements | Moderate number of advertisements targeted to the interests of the members of a profession, industry, or organization | Large number of advertisements for a wide variety of products that appeal to the diverse needs of the general population |
| Authors | Scholars or resarchers. Academic credentials, degrees, and/or affiliation are almost always provided. | Journalists or members of the profession, industry, or organization | Journalists |
