Why Use Scholarly Sources?

Different information types (books, magazines, newspapers, journals, videos, websites, social media postings...etc.) all have different purposes.

Scholarly journals have some specific purposes.  They help you to:

• step into the ongoing scholarly conversation around complex topic - a better understanding of the world is improved through the rigorous academic inquiry that is shared in these scholarly journals
   
• see how your topic has evolved over time - how it was understood or interpreted in the past versus how people look at the topic now
   
• consider a breadth different author perspectives - this is crucial so that you can hear many voices in order to become broadly-informed on the topic and understand any debates
   
• have access to new scientific discoveries - this is critical when you need up-to-date or cutting edge information
   
• know you are accessing credible, reliable information - scholarly journals have very high standards and a review process that ensures quality information
   
• verify or expand upon what you read or hear in popular media - often you can deepen your understanding of complex issues through the robust analysis provided by the scholarly journal format
   
• develop the skill of incorporate high-level research into different areas of your life -  whether to meet the expectations for college-level assignments or for needs in your personal, professional and civic lives