What is a scholarly journal?

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	What is a Scholarly Journal?

Many instructors at the college level require that you use scholarly journals as sources when writing a research paper, but how can you tell what is scholarly and what isn't?

Are scholarly and peer reviewed the same thing?

Yes, most of the time. Scholarly journals are sometimes referred to as refereed or peer reviewed. These are scholarly journals that have a rigorous approval and editing process in which experts in the field evaluate journal articles before acceptance for publication. Many scholarly journals are refereed or peer reviewed, but not all. If you already know your journal is either refereed or peer reviewed, then it is a scholarly journal.

How can I determine if my periodical is scholarly?

1.	Consult the chart:
	The following chart lists the general criteria for determining what type of periodical article you have. Keep in mind that some journals do not meet all the criteria, so use common sense in conjunction with the information on the chart.
2.	Limit your database search to academic, scholarly, or peer reviewed journals:
	Many database allow you to limit your search to academic, scholarly, or peer reviewed journals (terminology varies between databases). Although limiting provides a preliminary filter, you still need to review each article individually against the criteria on the chart.
3.	Check these reference books:
	Ulrich's Periodicals Directory ref Z6941 U5 This 4-volume set is kept on the Ready Reference shelves located behind the Reference Desk. Entries list basic information about periodicals including publisher, price, and content. Also included is a Document type category. Look for Document type: Journal, Academic/Scholarly. An arrow appears to the left of each title that is designated peer reviewed.
	Magazines for Libraries ref PN4832 K37 This volume is located in the Reference Collection and lists basic information similar to Ulrich’s (above). Entries that are peer reviewed contain the designation refereed.
4.	Ask a Reference librarian:
	If you still have questions, please come to the Reference Desk on the second floor of the library and talk to a reference librarian. Bring your periodical or article with you, and we will help you determine whether or not it is scholarly.

Distinguishing Scholarly Journals from Other Periodicals
*Scholarly Journals		Trade Publications	News or Opinion Magazines	Popular Magazines
American Economic Review Examples Educational Theory Journal of Communication		Advertising Age Industry Week Progressive Grocer	New Republic Scientific American U.S. News and World Report	Glamour Rolling Stone People Weekly
Purpose	-to inform and report on original research or experimentation to the rest of the scholarly world	-to provide news and information to people in a particular industry or profession	-to provide general information to an educated lay audience	-to entertain or persuade -a not so hidden agenda is to sell products or services
Cited Sources	-include substantial footnotes and/or bibliographies	-occasionally include brief footnotes and/or bibliographies	-occasionally include brief bibliographies	-rarely include bibliographies
Authors	-scholars or researchers in the field, discipline or specialty	-practitioners or educators within the industry or profession	-magazine staff writers or free-lance writers	-magazine staff writers or free-lance writers
Language	-technical terminology appropriate to the discipline -reader is assumed to have a similar scholarly background	-jargon of the industry or profession -reader is assumed to have background in the field	-language geared to educated layperson -does not emphasize a specialty but does assume a certain level of expertise	-simple language in order to meet a minimum education level
Article Appearance	-graphs, charts, and photographs that support the research -articles are lengthy and often structured into these sections: abstract, literature review, methodology, results conclusion, bibliography	-photographs and illustrations used to support the article but also for aesthetic purposes to draw in readers -brief articles with no structure	-photographs and illustrations used to support the article but also for aesthetic purposes to draw in readers -usually brief articles but can be longer and sometimes structured	-photographs and illustrations used for aesthetic purposes to draw in readers -brief articles with no structure
Journal Appearance (if applicable)	-plain format, usually black and white -little or no advertising	-attractive glossy format, lots of color -extensive advertising aimed at people in the field	-attractive glossy format, lots of color -extensive advertising aimed at the general public	-attractive glossy format, lots of color -extensive advertising aimed at the general public
*Scholarly journals are sometimes referred to as refereed or peer reviewed. A refereed or peer reviewed journal is a scholarly journal that has a rigorous approval and editing process in which experts in the field evaluate journal articles before acceptance for publication.

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