Different types of publications have different purposes and different audiences. When we talk about source types, we can divide these sources into broad categories such as scholarly and non-scholarly; however, you should evaluate all sources you find and think critically about why and how you are using them. Below are a few characteristics of each and things to consider when using them in your research.
Scholarly (also referred to as "Research" or "Peer-Reviewed") | Non-Scholarly | |
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purpose | Often informs and reports on original research done by scholars and experts in the field. May also include sources with general information and established facts. | Informs a general audience. May or may not provide in-depth analysis. |
authors | Articles are written by subject specialists and experts in the field. | Articles are written by journalists, freelance writers, or an editorial staff. |
audience | Intended for a limited audience - researchers, scholars, experts | Intended for a broad segment of the population, appealing to non-specialists. |
Examples |
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How do I use it? |
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How to identify it | Lengthy list of references to other sources, author credentials | May or may not have a list references (often shorter if included at all) |
If you have questions about what qualifies as "scholarly" or "credible," ask your instructor or a librarian.