How can I tell if a source is scholarly?

Answer

A scholarly source is something you tend not to pick up and read just for fun; it is intended for educational or professional purposes, not entertainment. It is written by a person with a lot of education and experience with that subject area.  It went through a rigorous process of editing and approval before being published.  It cites sources and lists references. It uses formal language without slang - often using jargon related to a specific academic field.  It often is lengthy and doesn't have many advertisements, a lot of photos, or and less color than popular magazines.  

To learn more about how to tell if a source is scholarly, visit our Scholarly v. Popular page.

  • Last Updated Aug 14, 2018
  • Views 59
  • Answered By Lisa Crumit-Hancock

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