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WI+RE is transitioning to the UCLA Library WI+RE site . This website will be retired August 1, 2026. Resources are being updated to improve accessibility and accuracy, and some content may change. If you are unable to access this content due to a disability, please email uclawire@library.ucla.edu for assistance..

Scholarly vs. Popular Sources

Created by Salma Abumeeiz, Simon Lee

Here is a link to an accessible version of this handout.

Need some definitions to the terms used in the handout? We've got you covered! Check out our Research and Academic Glossary!

Scholarly vs. Popular Sources

This handout is your roadmap to understanding the differences between scholarly and popular sources! It includes helpful examples of each source type and tips for how to distinguish between the two within library databases.

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About this handout

Awards and Recognition

MERLOT logo - 5 star editor review

This handout has received a 5-star editor review on MERLOT, a curated collection of online learning and support materials.

Authors

Salma Abumeeiz, Simon Lee

Contributors

Jake Arakawa, Matt Johnson, Sarah Phan, Cymfenee Dean-Phifer, Kian Ravaei, Doug Worsham

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