Fitchburg State subscribes to over a hundred different databases on subjects for every part of the curriculum. If you're not sure what database to use, ask a librarian. Here is a short list of some of the broader, multi-disciplinary databases available - a good place to start most searches.
| Scholarly Articles | Popular Articles | |
| Authorship | Scholars/experts in a field. Authors are always named and their institutional affiliation is given. | Staff writers or journalists. |
| Publisher | University presses, professional associations, research organizations. | For profit corporations. |
| Review | Peer review process by other experts in the field of study. | Fact-checker and/or editor. |
| Audience | Researchers, scholars, other experts. | General public. |
| Content/Length | Usually longer, focusing on a research study, or a review of research literature in a field. | Often shorter, with a more general focus. |
| Language | Technical, discipline specific terminology. | Written for a general reader with easier vocabulary. |
| Sources | Cited in a bibliography adhering to a specific citation style (MLA, APA, etc.) | Usually not cited, and when they are, are not generally standardized. |
| Structure | Usually includes: abstract, literature review, methodology, results, conclusion, and bibliography. | Specific formats are not followed. |
| Advertising | Some. | Copious. |
| Scholarly Journal | Popular Magazine |
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