English 421: Eighteenth Century Fiction

Finding Scholarly Articles

Scholarly Resources

What is a scholary resouce?~ A scholarly (or academic, or "professional") article or journal is different from other "popular" sources. Scholarly publications are usually written by a specialist in a particular field, and are meant for specific audiences. Scholarly articles usually contain original research and findings, and are almost always accompanied by a bibliography. These articles are also often "peer-reviewed."

What does "peer-reviewed" mean? ~ One kind of professional literature. "A journal for which manuscripts submitted by potential contributors are evaluated by at least one subject specialist in addition to the editor prior to acceptance for publication. Synonymous with refereed." (From Hypertext Library Lingo: A Dictionary of Library and Information Science (http://www.wcsu.edu/library/odlis.html), 10/21/99.)

Some examples of scholarly english literature journals (that relate to this topic):

Persuasions: The Jane Austen Society of North America

Studies in English Literature

The Explicator

Still not sure if your particular article is scholarly? Check out this website:

• Distinguishing Scholarly Journals from Other Periodicals.

Literary Databases:

• MLA International Bibliography ~International index to literature, languages, linguistics, and folklore.

(To access this resource from off campus, go to Articles and Databases and choose MLA. You may also want to look at Accessing Library Resources from Off Campus).

• Twayne Authors Series ~This series provides criticism of the works of major U.S., English, and world authors from Aristophanes to the present. Author entries range from 175-200 pages.

(To access this resource from off campus, go to Reference Sources and choose Twayne Author Series. Follow the login directions. You may also want to look at Accessing Library Resources from Off Campus).

• Project Muse ~includes the full text of many scholarly literature journals. (On campus only) 0

• JSTOR ~This resource contains a number of older journals that have been collected made available online. Covers many pre-Internet language and literature journals.

  How do I find out if the Elmhurst College Library has the journal I need? 

Search for the journal title in Illinet Online. If you don't find the journal you need, take a look at the list, Journals and Magazines Available Online. You can also call (x 3173) or email the reference department to inquire about a specific title or ask a question.