The field of communications, the theories and techniques used by individuals to convey meaning to others, is diverse.  Research sources often focus on a more narrow subset of the field such as: film, television, radio, journalism, communications law & ethics, advertising, marketing, public relations, communications technology, digital design, semiotics, linguistics, and/or societal issues.  

Before starting your research, consider the questions below.  What subset of the field is most relevant to your project?  Begin with the General Communications & Mass Media reference sources - define your search terms and strengthen your background knowledge of your topic.  Then narrow your search by using the Specialized Communications sources.  Next, search the Databases and Catalog for articles and books which contain in-depth analysis of your topic.  The free websites listed are authoritative and may contain information not available elsewhere.  As always, if you need additional help, please ask a Reference Librarian.

Research Questions:

• What medium/mode of communication will you research? (e.g. film, journalism, blogs, etc.)
• Is the focus of your research historical or contemporary?
• What theories and/or philosophies pertain to your research?
• Should you consider nationality, ethnicity, race, gender, religion, or affiliation?
• Are there legal, political, or ethical considerations?
• Are there technical, economic, or industry related considerations?
• How much information do you want?
• What type of information are you looking for? (e.g. articles, books, images, chronologies, etc.)
  

Communication & Mass Media Complete Index with full text to over 200 journals and other sources.

Communication Abstracts An index with abstracts of journal articles and other documents published since 1977.

Communication Institute for Online ScholarshipScholarly resources for the field of communications.  Includes gateways to The Electronic Journal of Communication, ComIndex, and ComAbstracts.

ComAbstracts   Contains abstracts of the primary scholarly professional literature of the communications field (both articles and books) since the late 1980's.  

Film & Television Databases

Film and Television Literature Index  A comprehensive index to about 600 publications on film and television with links to full text.

The Internet Movie Database   Provides brief summaries, cast and credits for over 180,000 movie titles.  Also contains images & biographical profiles of individuals. Trivia & quotes for well known films.

New York Times Movie Reviews Full text of over 28,000 movie reviews from 1960 to the present. Important pre-1960 films are also included.

GENERAL COMMUNICATIONS & MASS MEDIA SOURCES

Tip:  Use a dictionary or encyclopedia to define concepts and check facts.

Tip:  Consult the Methods, Handbooks, Guides section when planning a comprehensive research project.

Chandler, Daniel. A Dictionary of Media and Communication. 1st ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 2011. (RH,LC) Ref P87.5 .C43 2011.  Brief entries, with biographic and bibliographic appendices.  Selected entries have a Web Links notations for additional information.

Dictionary of Media Studies. (ebook) London: A & C Black, 2006.Includes a helpful table of significant communication theorists, their specializations, and their major works. Brief entries, UK focus.

Kleinman, Sharon. The Media and Communication Dictionary : A Guide for Students, Educators, and Professionals. New York: Peter Lang, 2011. (RH,LC) Ref P87.5 .K64 2011. Brief entries, US focus.

Kroon, Richard W. A/V A to Z : An Encyclopedic Dictionary of Media, Entertainment and Other Audiovisual Terms.Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland & Co., 2010. (RH) Ref P87.5 .K76 2010.  Definitions include diagrams, images, and many practical details.

Watson, James and Hill, Anne. A Dictionary of Media and Communication Studies. 7th ed. London: Edward Arnold, 2006. (RH, LC) Ref P90.W36 2006.Brief entries with helpful cross references and topic guides.

Weiner, Richard. Webster's New World Dictionary of Media and Communications. rev. and updated ed. New York: Macmillan, 1996. (LC) Ref P87.5 .W45 1996. Brief entries. Use for obscure or obsolete terms.

Encyclopedia of Communication and Information. New York: Macmillan, 2002. (RH) Ref P87.5.E53 2002

Encyclopedia of Communication and Information. [ebook] New York: Macmillan, 2002.

Encyclopedia of Communication Theory. [ebook] Stephen W. Littlejohn, ed. Los Angeles, CA: Sage, 2009.Articles on theoretical concepts from across the field of communication studies.  Includes bibliographies of seminal works and primary theorists.

Encyclopedia of International Media and Communications. Donald H. Jonston, ed. San Diego, CA: Academic Press, 2003. (RH) Ref P87.5.E535 2003 Entries detail how editorial content - from journalism and scholarship to films and infomercials - is developed, presented, stored, analyzed, and regulated around the world.  Note the 2003 publication date.

Encyclopedia of International Media and Communications.[ebook] San Diego, CA: Academic Press, 2003.

Encyclopaedia of Mass Communication : Vol. I.  Mumbai: Himalaya Books, 2008.
Encyclopaedia of Mass Communication  : Vol. II . Mumbai: Himalaya Books, 2008.
Encyclopaedia of Mass Communication : Vol. III . Mumbai: Himalaya Books, 2008. Some general information, but primarily focused on communication in India.  Separate links for each volume.

International Encyclopedia of Communications. Erik Barnouw, ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 1989. (LC) Reserve Desk, (RH) Ref P87.5 .I5 1989 Lengthy articles, signed and with bibliographies.  Recommended for historical research. Note the 1989 publication date.


Research Methods, Handbooks, Guides

Jensen, Klaus Bruhn. Handbook of Media and Communications Research : Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methodologies . New York: Routledge May, 2002.  Provides qualitative as well as quantitative approaches to the analysis and interpretation of media.

Gunter, Barrie. Media Research Methods: Measuring Audiences, Reactions and Impact . Thousand Oaks, Calif: Sage Publications, 2000.  A broad overview of methodological media research.

Stokes, Jane C. How To Do Media & Cultural Studies . Thousand Oaks, Calif.: SAGE, 2003.  A good source for a novice researcher. Provides standard models and case studies for the field of media research.

McQuail, Denis, ed. Communication Theory & Research : An ECJ Anthology.  Thousand Oaks, Calif. : SAGE, 2005. A selection of the best research papers published by ECJ during the previous decade.

Bibliographies, Quotes & Histories

Jackson, Gordon. Watchdogs, Blogs and Wild Hogs : A Collection of Quotations on Media. 1st ed. Spokane, WA: New Media Ventures, 2006.  (RH) Ref PN6081 .J25 2006. Selected quotes range from humorous to poignant to historically significant.

Martin, James B. Mass Media : A Bibliography with Indexes. Hauppauge, N.Y: Nova Science, 2002.  (LC) Ref P90.A2 .M285 2002. A selective 10 year annotated bibliography with author, title and subject indexes.

Park, David W. The History of Media and Communication Research : Contested Memories. New York: Peter Lang, 2008. (RH, LC) P91.3 .H57 2008.  Identifies the disciplinary roots and the development of the field of communication studies.

Sterling, Christopher H. Mass Communications Research Resources : An Annotated Guide. Mahwah, N.J: L. Erlbaum Assoc., 1998. (RH, LC) Ref P90.A2 M28 1998. Detailed annotations and broad coverage of the field.  Note the 1998 publication date.

SPECIALIZED COMMUNICATIONS SOURCES

Film and Television - Dictionaries

Beaver, Frank. Dictionary of Film Terms: the Aesthetic Companion to Film Art. 4th ed. New York: Peter Lang, 2009. (RH) Ref PN1993.45.B33 2009 (LC) 3rd ed Ref PN1993.45.B33 2006 Brief articles, U.S. focus, primarily on technique, genre, topics, theories, and organizations.

Blandford, Steven. The Film Studies Dictionary. London: Arnold, 2001. (RH,LC) Ref PN1993.45.B53 2001 Brief articles, primarily on technique, genre, topics, theories, and organizations.

Bognar, Desi. International Dictionary of Broadcasting and Film. 2nd ed. Boston: Focal Press, 2000. (RH,LC) Ref PN1990.4.B64 2000 Production and technical terms, acronyms and abbreviations, information on professional organizations, guilds, festivals, and awards.

Critical Dictionary of Film and Television Theory. New York: Routledge, 2001. (RH,LC) Ref PN1993.45.C75 2001 Lengthy articles on media topics & genres. Index includes key personalities, works, locations, organizations, and more. Includes a concept map.  Articles are signed & have references.

Hutchinson Pocket Dictionary of Cinema. [ebook] Oxford: Helicon Publishing, 2005. International scope. Brief entries, primarily biographical.

The International Dictionary of Films and Filmmakers. 2nd ed.Chicago, IL: St. James Press, 1990-1994. (RH) Ref PN1997.8 .I6 1990

The International Dictionary of Films and Filmmakers. [ebook] 4th ed. Detroit: St. James Press, 2000. Biographical profiles and analysis of major works, many with images. Useful bibliographies.

Kamp, David. Film Snob's Dictionary: an Essential Lexicon of Filmlogical Knowledge. [ebook] New York: Broadway Books, 2006. Humorous, opinionated definitions and charts.

Knox, Dave. Strike the Baby and Kill the Blonde: An Insider's Guide to Film Slang. [ebook] New York: Three Rivers Press, 2005.Industry insider definitions for standard film terms and common slang.


Film & Television - Almanacs, Directories, Encyclopedias

Brooks, Tim.   The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows, 1946-present.  9th ed. New York: Ballantine Books, 2007. (LC, RH) Ref PN1992.18 .B68 2007. Brief entries, comprehensive coverage.

Grant, Barry. Schirmer Encyclopedia of Film. Detroit: Schirmer Reference, 2007. 4 vols. (RH) Ref PN1993.45.G65 2007. Lengthy articles with bibliographies on genre, films, technique, individuals, countries, organizations, laws.

Inman, David.   Performers' television credits, 1948-2000.  3 vols. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland, 2002.   (RH) Ref PN1992.4.A2 P47 2002. Comprehensive coverage of t.v. shows, made-for-t.v. movies, and mini-series.

International Television and Video Almanac.  New York: Quigley Pub., Annual. (RH) Ref. PN1992.1 .I5.
and
International Motion Picture Almanac. New York: Quigley Pub., Annual. (RH) Ref. PN1993.3 .I5
Company contact information, industry service agency listings, biographies, statistics, awards, & more.

Katz, Ephraim. The Film Encyclopedia: the Complete Guide to Film and the Film Industry. 6th ed. New York: Collins, 2008. (RH,LC) Ref PN1993.45.K34 2008. Brief entries, comprehensive coverage.

LoBrutto, Vincent. The Encyclopedia of American Independent Filmmaking . Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 2002. (RH) Ref PN1993.45.L63. Entries on genre, producers, directors, festivals, and organizations. Includes indexes for awards, distributors, and an extensive bibliography on the independent film industry.

Newcomb, Horace. Encyclopedia of Television,  2nd ed. 4 vols.  New York: Fitzroy Dearborn, 2004. (RH) Ref  PN1992.18 .E53 2004.  Produced in conjunction with the Museum of Broadcast Communication, this source is good for production & cast facts, but provides poor analysis of social issues and historical events.

Film & Television - Handbooks and Research Guides

Clark, Vivienne. Complete A-Z Media & Film Studies Handbook. London: Hodder Arnold, 2007. (RH) Ref PN1993.45.C53 2007 A basic study guide for college students.

Hayward, Susan. Cinema Studies: the Key Concepts. 3rd ed. New York: Routledge, 2006. (RH) Ref PN1993.45.H36 2006

____________.Cinema Studies: the Key Concepts. [ebook] 2nd ed. New York: Routledge, 2000. In-depth coverage of key theoretical terms and the various debates surrounding them.

Shiers, George. Early Television: a Bibliographic Guide to 1940. New York: Garland, 1997. (RH) Ref TK6637.A1 S48 1997. Surveys the development of early mechanical and later electronic means of television, from its theoretical inception in the late 1800s through market experiments prior to WWII.


Murray, Michael D., ed.  Encyclopedia of Television News.  Phoenix, AZ: Oryx Press, 1999. RH Ref PN4888.T4 E53 1999. aneth, Donald. 


Journalism

Eaman, Ross Allan. Historical Dictionary of Journalism.  Lanham, Md.: Scarecrow Press, 2009.(RH) Ref  PN4728 .E37 2009  Brief entries, international focus.

Goldstein, Norm. The Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law : With Internet Guide and Glossary. 39th ed. New York : Basic Books, 2004. (LC RH W) Ref PN4783 .A76 2004.  Used by professionals throughout the industry.

Quick, Amanda C. World Press Encyclopedia : A Survey of Press Systems Worldwide. 2nd ed. 2 vols. Detroit: Gale, 2003. (RH) Ref PN4735 .W67 2003. A comprehensive survey of press & electronic media in 200 countries, note the pub. date.

Sterling, Christopher H. Encyclopedia of Journalism. [ebook] Thousand Oaks, CA.: Sage, 2009. Lengthy articles with many cross references and bibliographies.  U.S. focus.

Vaughn, Stephen.   Encyclopedia of American Journalism. New York: Routledge, 2008. (RH) Ref PN4855 .E53 2008.  A historical overview of significant individuals, organizations, laws, events, and technologies.


Policy, Law & Ethics

Cogan , Brian. Encyclopedia of Politics, the Media and Popular Culture. Santa Barbara, CA: Greenwood Press, 2009. (RH) P95.82.U6 C62 2009. Articles provide both historical and contemporary insight.

Downing, John D. H.   Encyclopedia of Social Movement Media.  Thousand Oaks, Calif.: SAGE Reference, 2011. (W) Ref  P96.A44 E53 2011. Articles on social activism via communications & media.

Hixson, Richard F.   Mass Media and the Constitution : An Encyclopedia of Supreme Court Decisions.  New York : Garland Pub., 1989. (LC, Stacks) (RH, Ref) P92.U5 H59 1989.  Summaries of US Supreme court decisions that bear upon the press, the First Amendment, and the Constitution.

Islam, Roumeen, ed.   Information and Public Choice : From Media Markets to Policy Making.   Washington, D.C.: World Bank, c2008. An international review of the political impact of news media.

Kaid, Lynda Lee. Encyclopedia of Political Communication. 2 vols. Los Angeles: Sage, 2008. (RH) Ref JA85.E65 2008. U.S. focus, lengthy articles, broad scope, extensive index & cross references

Manning, Martin J.   Encyclopedia of Media and Propaganda in Wartime America.  2 vols.Santa Barbara, Calif.: ABC-CLIO, 2011.  (RH) Ref  E183 .E63 2011 Chronologically organized with an alphabetical index. Contains brief articles, with bibliographies and limited photos.

Nimmo, Dan D.   Political Commentators in the United States in the 20th Century : A Bio-Critical Sourcebook. Westport, Conn: Greenwood Press, 1997. (LC, RH) Ref P95.82.U6 N57 1997. A biographical survey and analysis of the development of the profession and the influence of the primary personalities.

Pember, Don R.   Mass Media Law. 17th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, c2011. (RH) P92.U5 P42 2011.  Current and comprehensive, this textbook addresses the primary aspects of U.S. media law.

Schaefer, Todd M. Encyclopedia of Media and Politics.  Washington, D.C.: CQ Press, c2007. (LC, RH). Ref P95.82.U6 E47 2007. US focus, basic discussion of broad topics, bibliographies, and some images.

Stempel, Guido Hermann. Historical Dictionary of Political Communication in the United States. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1999. (RH) Ref JA85.2.U6 H57 1999. Brief articles on selected significant events, laws, and people, includes an overview of primary scholars in the field.

Watson, John C.   Journalism Ethics by Court Decree: the Supreme Court on the Proper Practice of Journalism .  New York: LFB Scholarly Pub. LLC, 2008. (RH) KF2750 .W38 2008. A survey and analysis of U.S. Supreme Court rulings on the ethical standards of journalism.

Encyclopedias

The Advertisiing Age Encyclopedia of Advertising. New York: Fitzroy Dearborn, 2003. (RH,LC,W) Ref HF5803.A38 2003. Historical focus, includes entries on agencies, advertisers, brands, campaigns,  individuals, and practical/theoretical as well as social/cultural aspects of advertising.

Clow, Kenneth. Concise Encyclopedia of Advertising. New York: Best Business Books, 2005. (RH,LC) HF5803.C59 2005. Brief definitions of theoretical and practical terms.

Doyle, Charles. Dictionary of Marketing .  New York: Oxford University Press, 2011. (RH) HF5412 .D69 2011. Brief definitions of theoretical and practical terms. Some diagrams, models, and flow charts.

Heath, Robert L.Encyclopedia of Public Relations. 2 vols. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2005. (RH) Ref HD59.E48 2005. Articles on the theory, ethics, practice, and history of the profession.

Handbooks & Guides

Dilenschneider, Robert. The AMA Handbook of Public Relations. [ebook] New York : AMA, 2010. American Management guidelines for both traditional and web-based PR campaigns.

Fitch, Brad. Media Relations Handbook for Agencies, Associations, Nonprofits, and Congress. Alexandria, VA: The Capitol Net, 2004. (RH) HM1221.F58 2004.  Targets the unique media relation concerns of government agencies, a national associations, nonprofit organizations, and elected officials

Henslowe, Philip. Public Relations: A Practical Guide to the Basics. 2nd ed. London: Kogan Page, 2003. (RH,LC) HD59.H443 2003. A basic yet thorough guide to Public Relations.

Klingemann, Hans-Dieter, ed. Public Information Campaigns & Opinion Research : A Handbook for the Student & Practitioner .  Thousands Oaks: SAGE, 2002. Theoretical and practical approaches delineated, assessment techniques discussed.

Lewis, Herschell. Advertising Age Handbook of Advertising. [ebook] Lincolnwood, IL: NTC Business Books, 1999. (RH,LC) HF5823.N36 1999.  A comprehensive survey of advertising techniques and processes.  

Tellis, Gerard J. The Sage Handbook of Advertising. Los Angeles: Sage, 2007. (LC,W) HF5823.S17 2007. Articles discuss history, theory, process, practice, planning, strategy, and public policy.

TECHNOLOGY, NEW MEDIA, DIGITAL

Dennis, Everette E. Understanding Media in the Digital Age: Connections for Communication, Society, and Culture.  New York: Allyn & Bacon, 2010. (RH,LC) QA76.76.I59 D46 2010. A broad overview of the field of communications with a focus on issues unique to digital and global trends.

Encyclopedia of New Media: An Essential Reference to Communication and Technology . Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2003. (RH,LC) Ref QA76.575.E5368 2002.  Includes articles on cyberculture, hacking, law, networks, networking, open-source, social issues, technological innovation, and more.

Gardner, Robert. From Talking Drums to the Internet: An Encyclopedia of Communications Technology. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 1997. (RH,LC) Ref 96.T42 G374 1997.  Articles range from hieroglyphics, to walkie-talkies, to v-chips. Includes profiles of inventors, and an extensive bibliography.

Schement, Jorge Reina.   Encyclopedia of Communication and Information .  3 vols. New York: Macmillan, 2002. (RH) Ref P87.5.E53 2002.  A comprehensive overview of communication modes and media, theories, careers, biographies, organizations, legal, psychological, and social issues.