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Evaluating Sources: Popular vs Trade vs Scholarly Articles

Unlike online databases, information retrieved using search engines has not been evaluated by librarians. Use these tips, tricks, and strategies to see if the site you are using is credible.

Helpful Hint

  • Always check an article's bibliography or footnotes for additional sources on your subject. This is a quick way to find more information.

Trade vs Popular vs Scholarly Literature

CRITERIA POPULAR MAGAZINES TRADE MAGAZINES SCHOLARLY JOURNALS
Appearance
book
eye-catching cover

glossy paper

pictures and illustrations in color

each issue starts with page 1

cover depicts industrial setting glossy paper pictures and illustrations in color each issue starts with page 1 plain cover

plain paper

black/white graphics and illustrations

pages consecutive throughout each volume

Audience
nonprofessionals members of a specific business, industry or organization researchers and professionals
Content
personalities, news, and general interest articles

articles written by staff, may be unsigned

industry trends, new products or techniques, and organizational news

articles written by staff or contributing authors

research projects, methodology, and theory

articles written by contributing authors

Accountability editorial review

no bibliographies

editorial review

may have short bibliographies

peer review/refereed

has bibliographies

Advertisements heavy moderate

all or most are trade related

few or none
Examples Gourmet
New York
Psychology Today
Time
Chilton's Food Engineering
Public Management

APA Monitor

Advertising Age
Journal of Food Science
Urban Studies

Journal of Applied Psychology

Journal of Extension

Subject Guide

Profile Photo
Fernando Gonzalez
he/him
Contact:
600 West Walnut Street
859-238-5279