Distinguishing Scholarly from Non-Scholarly Sources: Scholarly Periodicals

Journals and magazines are important sources for up­to­date information for all subject areas. Access to the large and varied journal collection through RIT Library requires the ability to distinguish between the levels of scholarship found both in the print and electronic publications. For the purpose of this guide, types of periodicals have been divided into four separate categories: Scholarly; Substantive News or General Interest; Popular; and Sensational.

How to Define them?

• Scholarly journals generally have a serious look. They often contain numerous charts and graphs. They typically do not have glossy pages.
• Scholarly journals always cite their sources in either footnotes or bibliographies
• Articles are written by scholars within specific disciplines.
• The language used is specific to the discipline covered. It assumes some discipline knowledge on the part of the reader.
• The primary purpose is to report on original research, making it available to the rest of the scholars within the discipline.
• Many are published by professional associations or universities

   

Examples of Scholarly Journals