Can a Book Be Scholarly? How to Tell Quickly

Not all books qualify as scholarly sources. Discover how to tell the difference instantly!

Books are everywhere, on shelves, in search results, and sometimes even in your research. But the big question is: can you actually cite them in academic work?

This guide walks you through how to tell if a book counts as a scholarly source. We’ll break down what qualifies, what to watch out for, and how to quickly assess credibility using clear criteria (like the CRAAP test). Whether you're writing a paper or building a literature review, knowing which books make the cut can save you time and your grade!

Understanding Scholarly Sources

Scholarly sources are materials written by experts, for experts, usually researchers, scholars, or students in a specific field. Their goal is to present original research, critical analysis, or in-depth discussion backed by credible evidence.

Common scholarly sources include:

• Peer-reviewed journal articles
  
  
  

• Academic books published by university presses
  
  
  

• Conference proceedings
  
  
  

• Dissertations or theses
  
  
  

Unlike popular or trade publications, scholarly works are meant to inform and contribute to academic knowledge, not to entertain or sell a product.

Books can sometimes be tricky. While many academic books are peer-reviewed and thoroughly researched, others might lean more toward personal opinion or general education. That’s why it's important to look beyond the cover and evaluate the content, publisher, and author credentials before calling it scholarly.

Evaluating a Book’s Scholarly Nature

Not every book qualifies as a scholarly source. To determine whether it meets academic standards, you’ll want to evaluate a few key indicators. Below are the most reliable factors to consider when making that judgment.

Authorship

Check who wrote the book. Scholarly works are usually written by experts—people with advanced degrees, university affiliations, or an extensive research background.
If the author has published academic journal articles, teaches at a university, or is cited by other scholars, that’s a green flag.

Publisher

A book from a university press (like MIT Press or Cambridge University Press) usually means it’s been peer-reviewed and editorially vetted.

On the flip side, books from commercial publishers or self-published platforms may lack that academic rigor.

Example:

• Scholarly: Oxford University Press
  
  
  

• Non-scholarly: Penguin Random House
  
  
  

Citations and References

Flip to the back, scholarly books have reference lists, footnotes, and citations throughout.
If the author supports claims with research studies, academic journals, or primary sources, that’s a good sign.

If you only see vague anecdotes or no references at all? Probably not scholarly.

Peer Review Process

Some academic books are peer-reviewed, especially those published through university presses.

While it’s not always visible, check for any mention of editorial boards, review panels, or advisory groups in the preface or acknowledgments. That adds credibility.

Content and Purpose

Ask yourself: Is this book trying to educate, or entertain?
Scholarly books aim to analyze, critique, or present new findings, not persuade or simplify.

Avoid books heavy on opinions, personal stories, or “general audience” explanations.

Language and Tone

Academic books use formal, field-specific language, you might find discipline-heavy terms, structured arguments, and complex sentence structures.

Non-scholarly ones are more conversational and less precise.

Example:

• Scholarly: “This study utilized a randomized control methodology…”
  
  
  

• Non-scholarly: “We wanted to see if it worked, so we tried it out.”
  
  
  

Supporting Materials

Graphs, tables, case studies, and appendices? That’s scholarly material.

If the book includes data sets, research methods, or comparative analysis, it’s likely research-based.

Books that lack these features often aim to inform casually, not academically.

Applying the CRAAP Test

The CRAAP Test: Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose — is a reliable method for evaluating whether a book qualifies as a scholarly source. Here's how each criterion applies to books in an academic context.

Currency

Evaluate how recent the book is.

Some fields like medicine, technology, and science require the most up-to-date research. Others, like history or literature, may rely on older works that still hold scholarly value. Always consider the time-sensitivity of your topic.

Example: A 2010 book on genetic editing may be outdated for a biology paper, while a 1990 book on Shakespearean themes may still be relevant for a literature review.

Relevance

Determine whether the book aligns with your research focus.

Check the depth of content, target audience, and whether the material directly supports your research question. Academic books will typically go beyond surface-level summaries.

Example:

• Relevant: A theoretical analysis on global food security.
  
  
  

• Not relevant: A broad overview of food trends meant for casual readers.
  
  
  

Authority

Look into who wrote the book and where it was published.

Scholarly books are usually authored by experts, such as university professors or researchers, and are published by academic or university presses. Lack of credentials or affiliation may indicate a non-scholarly source.

Tip: Search for the author’s bio, past publications, or university webpage to verify qualifications.

Accuracy

Check for evidence and citations.

A scholarly book will include citations, a bibliography, and often undergo editorial or peer review. Books that lack references or rely heavily on anecdotes are less likely to meet academic standards.

Tip: Cross-reference facts with journal articles or trusted academic databases to verify accuracy.

Purpose

Understand the book’s intent.

Books written to inform, analyze, or present research are typically scholarly. Those aiming to persuade, entertain, or sell may not be suitable for academic use.

Red flag: Watch for biased language, sensational claims, or content that lacks objectivity.

Identify Scholarly Books with Confidence

Knowing how to spot a scholarly book comes down to evaluating the author's credentials, the publisher, the presence of citations, and the depth of content. Applying these checks helps ensure your sources meet academic standards.

For a smoother research experience, try Jenni AI, a helpful tool for managing citations, organizing your paper, and polishing your academic writing.