The document compares the key differences between scholarly and popular publications. Scholarly publications are written by experts in a field, use specialized vocabulary, have narrow topics, and undergo peer review. They are found in research institutions and libraries. Popular publications are written for a general audience, use basic language, have short news-style articles, and are found in stores and online. They contain advertisements and rarely cite sources.

1. Thompson Rivers University Library
Scholarly vs Popular Handout
Scholarly vs. Popular
 Written by journalists, reporters,
 Written by researchers, professionals,
freelance writers, and other paid
or experts in the field Author
staff
 Author's credentials are listed
 Rarely experts in the field
 Advanced reading level
 Basic reading level
 Researchers, students, academics, and Audience
 General public
professionals
 Language is understood by almost
 Specialized or technical vocabulary
anyone
 Topic is narrowly focused and Language &
 General/popular interest topics
research-based Length
and news items
 Long articles: 5+ pages
 Short articles: 1/2 - 5 pages
 "Peer-reviewed" or "refereed" articles  Articles are reviewed and
are screened and approved by other Review Process approved for publication by the
researchers and experts in the field magazine or journal's editor
 Often a specific format: e.g., Abstract,
Methodology, Discussion, Summary,  No set format
Appearance &
Charts, Conclusion  Attention-grabbing titles
Organization
 Descriptive titles  Lots of advertising
 Limited or no advertising
 Scientific, medical, and research  Grocery stores, newsstands,
Location of
institutions, libraries bookstores
Information
 In print and online at TRU Library  In print and online at RDC Library
 Extensive bibliography and citations  Rarely any citations
Citations &
throughout  Difficult to verify source of
Bibliography
 ·Sources can be verified information
Journal of Zoology, Journal of
Maclean's, The Walrus, Popular
Anthropology, Journal of Clinical Examples
Science, People, Where Calgary
Nursing, Educational & Child Psychology
Created by Lucy Scribner Library. Scholarly vs. popular periodicals. Retrieved from http://lib.skidmore.edu/library/index.php/help-topics/35-
help/69-scholarly-vs-popular-periodicals-characteristics. Adapted by Thompson Rivers University Library, September 2011
Created by Nevada University Libraries. Distinguishing scholarly and popular articles. Retrieved from
http://library.nevada.edu/inst/docs/distinguishing.pdf. Adapted by Thompson Rivers University Library, September 2011
1 Updated October 2, 2011