Guides: Communication Studies: Getting Started

Start with Reference

Reference sources can provide information about the topic and lead to concepts and keywords to use in your research.

Representative print and online reference sources for the discipline of Communication Studies are listed below. Print reference sources are located on the main floor of Preus Library.

Specialized Reference Sources

Encyclopedia of Communication Theory
Call Number: Ref P87.5 .E496 2009
Publication Date: 2009
The 2 volume work provides a source for information about theories and theoretical concepts in the field of communication theory. Includes entries encompassing the diverse aspects of communication theory. In addition to the entries, a helpful chronology is included that lists the major events in the history of communication theory.
Encyclopedia of Media and Communication
Call Number: Ref P87.5 .E55 2013
Publication Date: 2013
Provides information relating to the field of media and communication studies.
ebook available
Encyclopedia of Social Movement Media
Call Number: Ref P96.A44 E53 2011
Publication Date: 2010
Includes more than 250 essays on the varied experiences of social movement media throughout the world in the 20th and 21st centuries. E-book available
Dictionary of Media and Communication Studies
Call Number: EBOOK
Publication Date: 2015
A detailed compendium of the different facets of personal, group, mass-media and internet communication.
Encyclopedia of Television
Call Number: Ref PN1992.18 .E53 2004
Publication Date: 2004
The Museum of Broadcast Communications is responsible for this 4 volume set on many aspects of television. Included are entries on personalities, programs, technology, genres, and events.

General Online Reference Sources

Gale Virtual Reference Library This link opens in a new window
A collection of over 3,000 reference works, covering all disciplines.
Credo Reference This link opens in a new window
An online collection of over 600 full-text reference works, including encyclopedias, dictionaries, and more.
Oxford Reference Online This link opens in a new window
This online source provides access to subject and language reference works from Oxford University Press. In addition to text, access is provided to maps and illustrations, timelines, web sites, and bibliographies.