Scholarly sources are written by experts who have dedicated their careers to researching, analyzing, and advancing knowledge in a specific field. These individuals, often university professors, researchers, or professionals with advanced degrees (such as a PhD) publish their findings so others can learn from, critique, and build upon their work.
Before trusting a source, it’s always helpful to look up the author. A quick search can tell you if they’re affiliated with a university or research institution, have published in reputable journals, or hold subject-area expertise.
Written by experts: Authors are often academics or researchers with credentials in the topic they’re writing about.
Published in academic journals: These journals are peer-reviewed, meaning other scholars have evaluated the article for quality, accuracy, and originality before publication.
Contain citations and references: Scholarly work builds on existing knowledge, so you’ll see a bibliography or works cited section.
Structured format: Articles are typically organized into sections like abstract, introduction, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion.
Objective and in-depth: They focus on analysis and evidence, not opinion, and are often dense or technical.
| Type | Author | Audience | Purpose | Examples |
| Scholarly | Experts/researchers | Scholars, students | Share original research | Journal of Sports Sciences, New England Journal of Medicine |
| Popular | Journalists or general writers | General public | Inform or entertain | ESPN, Time, The New York Times |
| Trade | Professionals in a specific field | Practitioners | Share industry trends, practical advice | Athletic Business, Coach & AD |
If you're unsure whether a source is scholarly:
Look up the journal or publication title.
Check for an abstract and references.
Ask a librarian—we’re here to help!
Primary sources are first-hand accounts or original materials created during the time period you’re studying or by someone who directly experienced the events.
Examples include:
Historical newspapers and broadcast footage
Letters, diaries, journals
Photographs, maps, posters
Autobiographies and memoirs
Official records (laws, census data, court cases)
Oral histories and interviews
Original creative works (art, music, literature)
These sources offer valuable insight into how people thought, communicated, and experienced life in a specific time and place.
Using primary sources effectively means asking critical questions about who created them and why. These tools can help:
Analyzing Primary Sources (Library of Congress)
Worksheets for analyzing documents, photographs, maps, political cartoons, and more.
Getting Started with Primary Sources (Library of Congress)
Introductory guide to finding, using, and interpreting primary sources.
Understanding Perspective in Primary Sources (National Archives)
A printable worksheet that helps evaluate the creator’s point of view and bias.
Some primary sources are available online, while others must be accessed in person at libraries, archives, or historical societies. Use the databases below to find what you need:
ArchiveGrid
Search thousands of archival collections in libraries, museums, and historical institutions around the world. Great for discovering where unique personal papers, letters, or manuscripts are housed.
WorldCat (OCLC FirstSearch)
A global library catalog that helps you locate books, archival materials, and primary documents across thousands of libraries.
Tip: If you find an archival item you can’t access, talk to your librarian! We can help request scans, locate alternatives, or contact the archive for you.