Here is a good comparison chart defining and comparing scholarly, trade and popular journals as well as primary and secondary resources.
EXCERPTS FROM SOURCE:
Ivana Niseteo. What is a Scholarly Journal? Simon Frazer University Library, August 8, 2011.
http://www.lib.sfu.ca/help/publication-types/scholarly-journals
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Authors |
Academics and experts in the discipline or field who are always identified |
Professional writers, not necessarily experts; writers are not always identified |
Industry experts, professionals, or practitioners who are not always identified |
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Purpose |
Facilitate scholarly communication between members of a particular academic discipline and/or the public |
Provide general information and entertainment to a broad audience
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Provide information to members of a particular industry or profession |
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Content Description |
Extensive research articles and analyses written in formal academic styles; some of these types of articles can be considered primary sources. May include scholarly review articles or news sections which briefly report on new research; these are not research articles Plain covers, and generally more charts, graphs, and illustrations than photographs; sometimes advertising Often have the word "journal" in the title Information is always specific to a particular academic discipline or field, and usually requires professional or academic knowledge to be fully understood |
General interest articles that can include a mixture of fact, anecdote, and/or opinion Glossy covers, many pictures, extensive use of colour images, and usually much advertising Often called "popular magazines" No special vocabulary or knowledge is generally required to understand |
Exclusively professional, industry, or trade information Articles can be fact, anecdote, and/or opinion. Usually have colourful covers, and quite often advertising specific to the profession, trade, or industry Often require professional knowledge and vocabulary to be fully understood |
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Publishers |
Academic organisations |
Commercial publishers |
Usually professional and trade organisations |
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Citations, footnotes/endnotes, and/or bibliographies |
Always |
Usually none |
Sometimes |
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Peer Reviewed |
Almost always Editorial board members are listed in each journal issue, and/or on the journal's website. |
No |
Very rarely |
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Format |
Print and electronic |
Print and electronic |
Print and electronic |
Definitions