Scholarly and Non-Scholarly Resources

Many students incorrectly assume that anything in print, whether in a book or journal or on a Web site, appropriate for a class paper. It is important for students to evaluate the sources before using them. There are four types of sources: scholarly, substantive, popular and sensational. For research papers, you should only use sources that are considered scholarly or substantive. If in doubt, always check with your professor!

Scholarly

Scholarly books, journals and Web sites generally have a sober, serious look, usually written by a expert in the field. Scholarly sources often contain many graphs and charts but few glossy pages or exciting pictures. Scholarly materials always cite their sources in the form of footnotes or bibliographies. The language of scholarly materials is that of the discipline covered and assumes some detailed background on the part of the reader. Most books in the Library are considered scholarly.

The main purpose of a scholarly journal is to report on original research or experimentation in order to make such information available to the rest of the scholarly world. Many scholarly journals, though by no means all, are published by a specific professional organization. Examples of scholarly publications are American Historical Review, New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of Astrophysics. About 75% of the journals available in the Library are considered scholarly.

Substantive

Substantive books, journals and Web sites usually do not cite sources, but their language is geared to an educated audience. They are often quite attractive in appearance and heavily illustrated, generally with photographs. There is no specialty assumed, only interest and a certain level of intelligence. Commercial enterprises or individuals usually publish substantive sources, although some emanate from specific professional organizations. The main purpose of substantive sources is to provide information, in a general manner, to a broad audience of concerned citizens. Examples of substantive items are Christian Science Monitor, Economist and Scientific American.

Popular books and periodicals come in many formats. They are often slick and attractive in appearance with lots of graphics such as photographs or drawings. These publications rarely, if ever, cite sources. Information is often second or third hand and the original source is sometimes obscure. The text is usually very short, written in simple language, and is designed to meet a minimal education level, with little depth to the content. The main purpose of popular periodicals is to entertain the reader, to sell products and/or to promote a viewpoint. Examples of popular works are Parents, Readers Digest and Sports Illustrated. The Library usually does not acquire these types of materials. Normally, students should not use popular sources.

Sensational

Sensational books and periodicals come in a variety of styles, but often use a newspaper format. Their language is elementary and occasionally inflammatory or sensational. They assume gullibility in their audience. The main purpose of sensational magazines seems to be to arouse curiosity and to cater to popular superstitions. They often do so with flashy headlines designed to astonish (e.g. Half-man Half-woman Makes Self Pregnant!). Examples of sensational publications are National Examiner and Weekly World News. The Library does not acquire these types of materials. Normally, students should never use sensational sources.

Web Sites

Normally, students should only use information from Web sites that are presented by scholarly or substantive publishers; represent the opinion of official organizations (such as government, news agencies or lobbying, professional or social groups); or written by known experts.