Guides: Communication Studies: Getting Started

Welcome to your Communication Studies guide!

This guide includes information and quick links to help you do library research in the field of Communication Studies.

Explore the guide to find more information about reference sources, books, articles, data and statistics, professional associations, and how to organize and cite your sources.

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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

Specialized dictionaries, encyclopedias, and subject bibliographies can be helpful in choosing and narrowing a topic. Reading in the specialized reference materials introduces background information and can provide key concepts or keywords to use in your search. This is just a selection. Search the reference databases below for more 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
A collection of over 3,000 reference works, covering all disciplines.
Credo Reference
An online collection of over 600 full-text reference works, including encyclopedias, dictionaries, and more.
Oxford Reference Online
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.