Arts and Administration

Scholarly and Popular Sources

It can be hard to determine if an article is scholarly or popular. Here are some general clues that can help:

Scholarly

• It is written by an expert in the field, usually with a Ph.D. or other terminal degree(s).
• The institution (university or museum) where the author works is listed.
• The article includes a bibliography citing other experts.
• The article is in a journal (usually scholarly) rather than a popular magazine.
• The journal might be described as "peer-reviewed" or "refereed."
• Often scholarly articles have an abstract at the beginning that explains what the article is about.
• The article is long - popular articles tend to be 1-5 pages; scholarly articles are often over 10 pages.

Popular

• There are a lot of glossy images in color.
• There are advertisements.
• There is no bibliography or other way to check the author's work, or the bibliography is very short and doesn't include works by scholars.
• Often called a magazine rather than a journal.
• Article is short, 1-5 pages.

If you would like more help, please contact your librarian.

Getting Started with Library Research

Searching databases can be tricky. Here are some tips to help you think about ways to structure your searches to find more relevant results. Contact your librarian to get additional help or to see how these tricks can be used.

Limit your search to get fewer results:

• Put phrases in quotations. For example, search "Mona Lisa" or "Art Nouveau" using quotation marks to keep those words next to each other.
• Use the Advanced Search feature in databases to make it easier to do multiple word searches, and to use AND/NOT operators.
• Putting AND between words makes sure your results include all of your key words.
• Putting NOT between words makes it so that you do not get results with words you do not want.
• Use filters. Most databases have filters or facets to the side of the results. Use these to narrow by date, result type, language, and subject.

Expand your search to get more results:

• Putting an asterisk (*) in place of a word ending will get more results. For example, "build*" will bring up results that include build(s), building(s), builder(s).
• Use OR in the search box for synonyms or related words. For example, church OR abbey, will get results with either of those words.
• Spell check! Most databases do not spell check. If you are not getting enough results, or if your results seem off, make sure the search terms are spelled correctly.

Evaluating Sources

Below are some important things to consider when you are choosing which books, articles, and websites to use in your assignments.

Reliability

Is the information accurate and dependable? Do the facts match up?

Credibility 

Is the primary voice an expert? What are their credentials? Primary voice could mean author or interviewee.

Validity

Where is the information coming from? It is personal opinion or research-based? Is there a bibliography or works cited section you can refer to?

Timeliness

When was it published?

Audience

Who was the article written for? Children? Scholars? Sometimes you can tell by the language - complexity and jargon suggest that it is written for a knowledgeable audience.

Bias

Does it discuss multiple sides of an issue or just one? Why was it written - for sales? to sway opinion?

Relevance

Is the article about what you are researching? How well does it address your research topic? Read the abstract or introduction and conclusion to figure this out. Remember, just because an article mentions your artist, doesn't mean it's actually about them.

Considering all of these elements can help determine if your source is a good one to use for your topic. You often don't need to read the whole item to evaluate a source. Read the abstract or introduction and conclusion to make a decision about if the resource is going to work for you. If it is, then read the whole thing.