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

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