Kernartikelen

Kernartikelen is a Dutch term that literally means core or essential articles. In use, it refers to a subset of articles that are considered foundational, central, or most important within a particular subject, collection, or publication. The precise meaning and criteria of what constitutes kernartikelen vary by context, institution, and discipline.

In library science and academic research, kernartikelen often describes a curated set of articles deemed essential for understanding a field. These articles form part of core literature lists, reading lists for courses, or recommended collections that librarians and researchers use to guide newcomers to a topic or to establish a baseline of authoritative sources.

In education, kernartikelen serve as required or highly recommended readings for courses. They are selected for their relevance, quality, and ability to introduce key concepts, methods, or debates. The term signals that accessing these articles is particularly important for students’ understanding of the subject matter.

In publishing and media, kernartikelen can be used informally to designate principal articles within a topic package or issue. They are typically intended to be representative, timely, or authoritative pieces that frame the main discussion.

Characteristics of kernartikelen usually include clarity, credibility, and accessibility, with emphasis on sources that are credible, citable, and widely recognized within the field. Because the concept is context-dependent, the exact set and selection criteria for kernartikelen differ across domains and institutions.