Your professor may have assigned a research project, but put some limitations on the types of sources you can use. You may have been told to use articles, but only scholarly articles. Articles can come from a variety of types of sources. How can you tell the difference? This guide helps you to distinguish articles from scholarly, trade, and popular sources. Scholarly Journals Have a serious appearance. The words "Journal," "Transactions," "Proceedings," or "Quarterly," may appear in the title.Written for professors, students or researchers. Signed by the authors.Articles are reviewed by a board of experts or "peer reviewers."Follow a format: abstract, literature review, methodology, results, conclusion, possibly footnotes, endnotes and/or bibliography.May include tables, graphs or illustrations to support research.Very little advertising. Professional or Trade Journals May have a bright cover.Provide information of use to a particular industry.No specific format.Articles sometimes unsigned.General editors of the magazine review articles.Advertising is used to appeal to those in the field. Popular Magazines May have a bright cover with many glossy pictures.Designed to attract a broad segment of the population.No specific format.Articles sometimes unsigned.General editors of the magazine review articles.May include tables, graphs or illustrations.Lots of advertising. Identify a scholarly journal Ulrichsweb can help you identify peer-reviewed journals. Access Ulrichsweb Want to Learn More? Check out the following playlists. Working with Scholarly Sources Still Have Questions? Librarians are standing by 24/7, ready with answers. Go ahead, ask us! Ask Us!