Webster's Third New International Dictionary defines scholarly as: 1) concerned with academic study, especially research, 2) exhibiting the methods and attitudes of a scholar, and 3) having the manner and appearance of a scholar. Popular means "adapted to the understanding and tastes of the majority." Keeping these definitions in mind, and realizing that the lines are not clear cut, the general criteria are as follows:
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SCHOLARLY JOURNALS generally have a sober, serious look / often contain many graphs and charts but few glossy pages or pictures |
MAGAZINES come in many formats, often slick and attractive / many graphics (photographs, drawings, etc.) |
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always cite sources in the form of footnotes or bibliographies |
rarely, if ever, cite resources. Information often second or third hand and original source often obscure |
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written by a scholar in the discipline or by someone who has done research in the field |
articles written by staff members or free lance writers |
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language is that of the discipline covered / assumes some scholarly background of the reader |
articles are usually very short, written in simple language and designed to meet a minimal education level / usually little depth to the content of articles |
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purpose is to report on original research in order to make the information available to the rest of the scholarly world |
purpose is to entertain, promote a viewpoint, or sell a product |
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most are published by professional organizations |
published by commercial enterprises or individuals |
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EXAMPLES OF SCHOLARLY JOURNALS JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association Journal of Marriage and the Family Studies in Short Fiction |
EXAMPLES OF MAGAZINES New Yorker Psychology Today Glamour |
Explanation based on Cornell University Library "Skill Guide No. 20"
MAGAZINES AND JOURNALS THAT ARE NOT SCHOLARLY: NEWS MAGAZINES like Time, Newsweek, and U.S. News and World Report. These periodicals provide reputable reporting on current topics and are good sources for introductions to those topics, but they don't provide the same analysis as scholarly journals. Articles are not usually written by scholars in the field and are aimed at a more general audience than are articles in scholarly journals.
OPINION MAGAZINES such as New Republic, National Review, Atlantic, and Nation. These magazines are aimed at an educated audience, without assuming particular scholarly background. They comment on current events and offer a particular viewpoint on world affairs, politics, and cultural matters.
POPULAR MAGAZINES like Health, Sports Illustrated, Jet, People, Redbook, or Reader's Digest. Most academic libraries don't carry as many of these magazines as public libraries do. Popular magazines are attractive and entertaining, but do not report on original research or cite sources, and are not the kind of sources to cite in the bibliography of an academic paper.
TRADE JOURNALS such as Beverage World, Journal of Risk and Insurance, Automotive News, and Progressive Grocer. These magazines are industry specific, designed to update and inform the reader on current trends in the industry.
NOTE: There are reference books which attempt to describe and evaluate magazines and journals. If you need further information about a title you may want to consult:
Magazines for Libraries by Bill Katz and Linda Sternberg Katz.
REF DESK PN 4832 .Z9 K2