Differentiating between different types of information sources each characterized by different conventions and target audiences.

1. INFORMATION LITERACY SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
ILSD Session facilitated by Julie Kent, Hons. B.A, M.L.I.S., Instructional and Research Librarian
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SCHOLARLY vs POPULAR vs TRADE PUBLICATIONS
The following chart presents information for identifying the differences between scholarly, popular, and trade publications.
SCHOLARLY
POPULAR
TRADE
AUTHOR
 Written by researchers, professionals, or experts in the field
 Author’s credentials
 Written by journalists, reporters, freelance writers, and other paid staff
 Rarely experts in the field
 Written by magazine staff, members of the profession or trade, or contributing authors
 Contributing author's credentials may be included, but not always
AUDIENCE
 Advanced reading level
 Researchers, students, academics, and professionals
 Purpose is to report research and scholarly ideas and to add to the body of scholarly knowledge about the subject
 Basic reading level
 General public
 Professional audience
 Members of a specific business, organization, or industry
 Intention is to inform those working the field of events, techniques, and other professional issues
 Current trends, products, and techniques in the industry, as well as organizational news
LANGUAGE & LENGTH
 Specialized or technical vocabulary
 Topic is narrowly focused and research-based
 Long articles: 5+ pages
 Language is understood by almost everyone
 General / popular interest topics and new items
 Short articles: ½ - 5 pages
 Author write in simple language and presumes that the reader may not know much about the topic
 Language may include jargon and terms that are commonly used in the profession or trade
 Author assumes readers have certain level of knowledge about the field
REVIEW PROCESS
 “peer-reviewed” or “refereed” articles are screened and approved by other researchers and experts in the field
 Articles are reviewed and approved for publication by magazine or journal editor
 Reviewed by an editor

2. INFORMATION LITERACY SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
ILSD Session facilitated by Julie Kent, Hons. B.A, M.L.I.S., Instructional and Research Librarian
2 | in f o r m a t i o n l i t e r a c y s k i l l s d e v e l o p m e n t | J u l i e K e n t S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4
APPEARANCE & ORGANIZATION
 Often a specific format” e.g., Abstract, Methodology, Discussion, Summary, Charts, Conclusion
 Descriptive titles
 Limited or no advertising
 Open format
 Attention-grabbing titles
 Lots of advertising
 Moderate colorful advertisements, all pertaining to the industry and professional needs.
 Often published by the professional or trade associations
LOCATION OF INFORMATION
 Scientific , medical, and research institutions, libraries
 In-print and online at COTR Library
 Grocery stores, newsstands, bookstores
 In-print and online at COTR Library
 Sometimes available in bookstores, and newsstands
 Often found in libraries
 In-print and online at COTR Library
CITATIONS & BIBLIOGRAPHY
 Extensive bibliography and citation throughout
 Sources can be verified
 Rarely cited comprehensively
 Difficult to verify sources of information
 Studies and research may be referred to in the article
 Sometimes cited comprehensively
 Bibliographies may be included, but are generally short
EXAMPLES
Journal of Zoology, Journal of Anthropology, Journal of Clinical Nursing, Educational & Child Psychology
Maclean’s, The Walrus, People, Chatelaine, Better Homes and Gardens, Glamour, O, The Oprah Magazine, Sports Illustrated
APA Monitor, Public Management, PE Magazine, BC Teacher
DIRECTIONS: Below, list each periodical and whether it is a popular or scholarly publication. Write down at least 5 characteristics of each publication which led you to your decision.
Title:
Title:
Title:
Scholarly or Popular or Trade?
Scholarly or Popular or Trade?
Scholarly or Popular or Trade?
CHARACTERISTICS
CHARACTERISTICS
CHARACTERISTICS