How is literary criticism different from literary scholarship?

In academic studies, a distinction is often drawn between literary criticism and literary scholarship, though in practice, the two frequently overlap.1

Literary criticism is defined as the reasoned consideration of literary works and issues. In a narrow sense, it focuses on "practical criticism"—the interpretation of meaning and the judgment of quality. It is often viewed as a form of literature itself, with critics sometimes exerting influence as social forces or general philosophers. Criticism may involve evaluating a work's aesthetic value, its place in literary history, or broader arguments about the nature of literature.12

Literary scholarship, by contrast, is typically associated with objective research into the literary past. It encompasses the study of biographical questions, bibliography, historical context, sources, and influences. Scholarly research often involves the systematic investigation of texts, such as the preservation and perfection of manuscripts, and the accumulation of factual knowledge regarding an author's life or the historical circumstances of a work's creation.341

While criticism emphasizes evaluation and interpretation, scholarship emphasizes the factual and historical foundations that inform our understanding of literature.13