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Distinguishing Scholarly From Non-scholarly Periodicals: A Checklist of Criteria

There are a number of periodicals published today, but they are not all the same in terms of the level of scholarly research. There are scholarly, popular, and sensational periodicals.

Webster's Third International Dictionary defines "scholarly" as: (1) concerned with academic study, especially research, (2) exhibiting the methods and attitudes of a scholar, and (3) having the manner and appearance of a scholar. "Popular" is defined as "fit for, or reflecting the taste and intelligence of the people at large." "Sensational" is defined as "arousing or intending to arouse strong curiosity, interest or reaction." 

The above definitions should be kept in mind when using the criteria below to determine the type of periodical you are using/examining. Remember that there may not be clear cut lines between these types of periodicals, if you are still not sure please ask a librarian for assistance.

Scholarly periodicals ...

  • usually have sober, serious look.
  • often contain many graphs and charts but few pictures.
  • ALWAYS cite their sources in either footnotes or bibliographies.
  • have articles written by people in the field with which the journal is concerned.
  • use language that assumes a certain level of scholarly background.

EXAMPLES are...

  • American Economic Review
  • JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association
  • The Journal of Modern History
  • Modern Fiction Studies

Popular periodicals...

  • come in many formats, but are usually slick and attractive in appearance.
  • use lots of graphics, especially photographs.
  • rarely, if ever, cite their sources
  • have rather short articles written by staff members or freelance writers.
  • are written in simple language and are designed to meet a minimal education.

EXAMPLES are...

  • People Weekly
  • Reader's Digest
  • Sports Illustrated\
  • Time

Sensational periodicals...

  • often come in newspaper format.
  • use language that is elementary and occasionally inflammatory or sensational.
  • assume a certain gullibility in their audience.
  • main purpose is often to arouse curiosity and to cater to popular superstitions.
  • often use flashy headlines to sell copies.

EXAMPLES are...

  • Globe
  • National Examiner
  • Star
  • Weekly World News

NOTE: If you need further information about an individual title we suggest you consult:
Katz, Bill, and Linda Sternberg Katz. Magazines for Libraries. 5th ed. New York: Bowker, 1995.  You can find this book at the reference desk on the third floor of the Cofrin Library.

Adapted with permission from Cornell University Library