Scholarly journals are written by and for experts in a field.  The articles tend to be long and contain many citations and footnotes.  Popular magazines are written for a more general audience, and authors tend to be journalists or staff writers.  The articles usually don't provide footnotes or detailed citations.

For a more detailed analysis of the differences between these types of publications, see these sites:

Scholarly Journals vs. Popular Magazine Articles (USTA Library)
This page compares the two types of publications on several levels, including language, structure of articles, editorial procedures, and credits.

Journals - Scholarly or Popular (Humboldt State University Library)
This page goes into further detail, describing the following types of journals: scholarly, professional, "substantial non-specialist," and popular.

 

The library subscribes to many online tools for finding academic journal articles in any subject area.  

 

Some sources for academic articles:

For a full list of online databases, arranged by subject area: Databases by subject

If you need help: ASK A LIBRARIAN!!! Please come see us and we will help you with your research. 

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