Library FAQs

What is the difference between Scholarly or Popular sources?

Most sources fall into two categories:

1. Scholarly: highly-qualifed researchers, involving a throrough publication process (through a peer-review process), and a list of references. Scholarly sources usually have an audience in mind; usually other researchers in their field of study. 
   1. Examples: Books, Academic Journals
2. Popular: written by and intended for a general audience. Not peer-reviewed, and may not include a list of references. 
   1. Examples: Websites, blogs, magazines, and non-academic novels or books