FAQ: Are all library resources scholarly?

No, not all resources you'll find at the library are scholarly.

Many of the books you get from the library and articles you find in the library's research databases are considered scholarly. Often, the term "scholarly source" refers to a source that has gone through an editorial process called the peer review process, which means that someone or some group has checked all the facts and arguments the author made and deemed them suitable for publishing. However, you still have to think about whether the book or article is current and relevant enough for your research.

The library does subscribe to some non-scholarly publications such as popular magazines like People, Vogue, and Ebony. Some library databases include non-scholarly publications like newspapers and trade magazines as well so, no matter where you're searching for information, you should always evaluate your sources for reliability.

Check out the video below for more information on identifying and finding scholarly, peer reviewed sources.