1. INFORMATION LITERACY SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
ILSD Session facilitated by Julie Kent, Hons. B.A, M.L.I.S., Instructional and Research Librarian
1 | 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
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
