Communications Research Guide
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Note: Off-campus access to most online sources is restricted to current UCF students, faculty,
and staff via Proxy connection
Books and Multimedia
http://library.ucf.edu
Use the online catalog to locate books and multimedia in the UCF Libraries. You can search
by author, title, keyword, or subject.
- To search for a person, as AUTHOR or SUBJECT, search
by last name, first name without punctuation; for example:
- Mencken H L
- Murdoch Rupert
- SUBJECT searching requires use of Library of Congress subject headings.
Here are some example subject headings:
- Advertising
- Communication--Cross-cultural studies
- Communication--Political aspects
- Communication and culture
- Information theory
- Internet
- Interpersonal communication
- Journalism
- Mass media
- Nonverbal communication
- Persuasion (Psychology)
- Propaganda
- Public opinion
- Public relations
- Radio broadcasting
- Television broadcasting
- Violence in mass media
- To limit by FORMAT in order to find multimedia and scores, go to the
Advanced Search in the Library Catalog and use the Limit Search
By option.
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Periodical Articles
Use the following electronic and print indexes to find articles about communication topics.
Once you have found the articles you want, in some instances you will need to check the
UCF Library Catalog to determine if we own the
periodicals you need.
Contains many full-text magazine and journal articles on topics relating to business
and management topics. Good source for articles on organizational and business communication
and on the mass media industry.
Database that abstracts and indexes over 3,200 scholarly journals, and offers full text
(often dating back to 1990) for over 1,000 journals. A number of communication journals
are covered.
Indexes and abstracts over 1,500 publications in business, economics, management, and
related areas. Full text for many articles published since 1990.
Communication Abstracts
Index HM 258 .C64 (1978+)
Provides comprehensive coverage of communication-related information published in articles,
books, and reports, covering such broad topics as communications processes, interpersonal
communications, public relations, advertising, journalism and news media, and communications
theory and research.
Offers full text for over 200 titles and contains citation coverage for additional sources.
In total, several hundred valuable sources are covered.
An excellent source for full-text newspapers, press releases, and business publications.
Linguistics and Language
Behavior Abstracts
Index P 1 .L364 (1967+)
Provides citations to scholarly journal articles on a wide range of communication topics,
such as interpersonal behavior and communication and nonverbal communication.
MLA International Bibliography
Index PB 6 .M6222 (1970+)
General Collection PB 6 .M6 (1921-69, bound with PMLA)
Includes bibliographic citations to journal articles, books, book chapters, dissertations,
proceedings, and bibliographies. Useful for research in communication theory and rhetoric.
Major source for abstracts of psychology literature. Useful for coverage of topics related
to interpersonal, small group, and organizational communication, nonverbal communication,
mass media uses and effects, language, and linguistics.
Contains peer-reviewed journals published by SAGE Publications in several fields, including
communication studies. Currently there are 16 titles dealing with such topics as journalism,
public opinion, political communication, mass communication, interpersonal communication,
media studies, organizational communication, rhetoric, and literacy.
Sociological Abstracts
Index HM 1 .S67 (1953+)
Abstracts journal articles, books, and book chapters in sociology and related disciplines.
Communication-related coverage includes interpersonal, small group, and organizational
communication, and mass media and society.
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Key Journals
The following selected periodicals are devoted exclusively to communication topics. Please
note, however, that many other periodicals not listed here will contain pertinent articles;
thus, the need to consult a periodical database or
index. Current print issues of periodicals to which the Library
subscribes are arranged by title on the third floor; print back issues are shelved in the general
collection by call number, while microform back issues are arranged by call number on the third
floor.
Advertising Age
Microfilm HF 5801 .A276 (1930-87)
Microfiche HF 5801 .A276 (1988+)
This weekly trade publication contains enormous amounts of fascinating and useful data,
with feature articles on people, issues, advertising agencies, and ad campaigns.
American Journalism Review:
AJR
Online version (1993+)
General Collection PN 4700 .W38 (1993-2007/2008)
Contains news items, profiles on journalists, and articles on how contemporary issues
are reported.
Broadcasting & Cable
Microfiche TK 6540 .B85 (1993+)
The emphasis of this industry publication is on corporate activity and the changing
state of governmental regulation as it concerns television, cable, radio, and other
forms of electronic mass communication.
Columbia Journalism Review
Microfilm PN 4700 .C64 (1962/63-69/71)
General Collection PN 4700 .C64 (1969/71-1999/2000; 2002/03-2007)
Feature stories cover a wide range of topics relating to news gathering and reporting.
The "Darts and Laurels" section critiques local, national, and international journalism.
Communication Arts
General Collection NC 997 .A1 C2 (1972/73+)
A trade publication for commercial artists, with articles on design issues, copyright
and legal issues, and new graphic arts technology.
Communication Quarterly
Microfilm PN 4071 .T61 (1976-2002)
General Collection PN 4071 .T61 (1999-2006)
Contains scholarly research covering communication in the broadest sense; recent
issues have included articles on avoidance in friendships, UFO beliefs and rumors, and
television news.
Critical Studies in Media Communication: CSMC
General Collection P 87 .C73 (2000+)
A publication of the National Communication Association, this periodical offers articles
that take an interpretive approach to mass communications theory and research. Topics
include mass-media criticism, mass communication organizations, and the relationship
between culture and the mass media.
Editor & Publisher
Microfilm PN 4700 .E4 (1901-67)
General Collection PN 4700 .E4 (1968-82)
Microfiche PN 4700 .E4 (1983-2007)
Also known as E&P, covers all aspects of the newspaper business. Regular sections
are devoted to syndicates and news services, technological developments, and marketing
and sales.
Harvard International
Journal of Press/Politics
General Collection PN 4751 .H37 (1996-2004)
Produced by the Kennedy School of Government, this journal focuses on the interaction
of the press, politics, and public policymaking, and is targeted at researchers and
practitioners in the fields of journalism and broadcasting.
Journal of Advertising
Microfilm HF 5801 .J59 (1972-2002)
General Collection HF 5801 .J59 (1979-82;1995;2003-04)
A scholarly journal, with recent articles on music and lyrics in commercials and children
and advertising.
Journal of Advertising
Research
General Collection HF 5801 .J6 (1960-81; 2004-07)
Microfilm HF 5801 .J6 (1982-2002)
While scholarly in nature, this journal's editorial board includes both academicians
and professionals in the field.
Journal of Broadcasting
and Electronic Media
Microfilm PN 1991 .J6 (1985-89)
General Collection PN 1991 .J6 (1990-2006)
Articles in recent issues have dealt with the use of the Internet by political campaigns,
gender-differentiated production features in toy commercials, and the impact of motivation
and parasocial interaction on talk radio listening.
Journal of Communication
General Collection P 90 .J6 (1990-2006)
Microfilm P 90 .J6 (1985-89)
An interdisciplinary journal, published by the International Communication Association,
concentrating on communication theory and research. Recent issues have included scholarly
articles on country music videos, public opinion polling, body image and personal interaction,
and broadcast deregulation.
Journal of Mass Media
Ethics: MME
General Collection P 94 .J68 (1990-2004)
A quarterly scholarly journal exploring the ethical and moral issues in the field of
mass communication.
Journal of Popular Film
and Television
General Collection PN 1993 .J66 (1978/80-2007)
Articles concentrate on commercial television and film: stars, directors, producers,
studios, networks, genres, audience, etc.
The News Media & the
Law
General Collection KF 2750 .A15 N48 (1986+)
Aims to keep reporters and editors abreast of the latest changes in case law and
legislation dealing with press freedoms, rights, and responsibilities.
News Photographer
General Collection TR 820 .N48 (1979-84; 1986+)
Published by the National Press Photographers Association, this magazine features articles
on professional issues, profiles of individual photographers, and photos of the month.
Newspaper Research Journal
General Collection PN 4700 .N525 (1985+)
According to this journal, its purpose is "to provide a bridge between journalism scholars
and newspaper professionals and a forum for practical research on and discussion of
issues of interest to both."
Nieman Reports
General Collection PN 4700 .N57 (1971-2007)
Articles in this journal consider the wider economic, political, social, and technological
issues affecting the American press.
Quarterly Journal of
Speech
General Collection PN 4071 .Q3 (1928+)
Publishes scholarly articles on rhetoric, especially those that aid understanding of
discourse practices.
Television Quarterly
Microfilm PN 1992 .T45 (1962-66)
General Collection PN 1992 .T45 (1967-78; 1979-2007)
A publication of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, with two- to
six-page articles on such topics as prime time's disabled images, TV and politics, and
the commercialization of public broadcasting.
Variety
Microfilm PN 2000 .V3 (1964+)
Contains extensive information on the entertainment business, especially film, television,
and theatre. Many reviews of theatre, film, and television.
Western Journal of Communication
General Collection PN 4071 .W45 (1977+)
Publishes scholarly articles in all areas of communication--rhetorical and communication
theory, interpersonal communication, public address, group communication, and free speech.
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Definitions and Summaries
Sources such as encyclopedias, dictionaries, and handbooks are good starting points for obtaining
basic information about issues, events, and concepts in the field of communication.
International Encyclopedia
of Communications
Reference P 87.5 .I5 1989
A good starting point for introductions to a broad range of topics in communication.
Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media law
Reference PN 4783 .A83
An essential tool for all journalists, news editors, and public relations specialists,
providing guidelines on spelling, capitalization, grammar, punctuation, and usage, with
special sections on business and sports. Included is a section on media law, with practical
guidelines on libel law, privacy, copyright and access to places of information.
The Communication Handbook: A Dictionary
General Collection P 87.5 .D46
Briefly defines more than 2,000 terms related to communication theory and practical
communication activities such as public speaking.
Encyclopedia of American Journalism
Reference PN 4728 .P35
Attempts to cover all aspects of the field: history of journalism, types of media,
the news-gathering process, people, organizations, styles, court cases.
Encyclopedia of Rhetoric and Composition: Communication from Ancient Times to the Information
Age
Reference PN 172 .E53 1996
Provides descriptions, essays, and articles on the major periods, peoples, concepts,
and applications related to rhetoric and composition. Useful for historical explanations
of rhetorical concepts.
Encyclopedia of Television, 2d. ed.
Reference PN 1992.18 .E53 2004
A three-volume set with about 1,000 signed, lengthy essays on programs, people, and
general subjects. While the emphasis is on American, British, Canadian, and Australian
topics, there are entries offering historical and descriptive discussions of television
in other countries and regions around the world.
Facts on File Dictionary of Television, Cable, and Video
Reference PN 1992.18 .R44 1994
Contains approximately 3,000 entries on companies, organizations, awards, and advertising
and technical terms.
The Froelich/Kent Encyclopedia of Telecommunications
Reference TK 5102 .E646
The principle focus of this 18-volume set is the technical and scientific basis of
telecommunications, although it also has articles on the social and legal issues in
the field.
History of the Mass Media in the United States: An Encyclopedia
Reference and General Collection P 92 .U5 H55 1998
Examines the growth, development, and societal effects of media, covering prominent
events, organizations, technology, and persons.
International Dictionary of Broadcasting and Film
Reference PN 1990.4 .B64 2000
Lesly's Handbook of Public Relations and Communications
General Collection HM 263 .L472 1998
Defines and describes public relations activities and techniques in short articles.
Contains over 20,000 descriptive definitions of the vocabulary used in radio, television,
cable, film, newspapers, magazines, book publishing, direct mail, outdoor advertising,
and other subjects related to the mass media.
Webster's New World Dictionary
of Media and Communications
Reference P 87.5 .W45
Covers technical and historical terms, jargon, and slang used in broadcasting, film,
marketing, journalism, film, book publishing, graphic arts, advertising, printing, and
other areas of media. Also a good source for explanations of abbreviations, associations,
and prominent company names related to media and communication.
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Industry Information
Use the sources listed here to find statistics, addresses, industry overviews, and information
about individual media companies.
Broadcasting & Cable Yearbook
Reference TK 6540 .B852
A comprehensive listing of American television and radio stations and cable systems,
satellite and other carriers, technological and programming services, brokers and professional
services. Includes radio and television market statistics. See also
Television & Cable Factbook
(below).
Editor & Publisher International Yearbook
Reference PN 4700 .E4
Important source for newspaper industry facts and statistics. In addition to address
and telephone numbers, main entries include information on circulation, price, advertising,
special editions, equipment, and key personnel. Also includes listings for the 100 top
daily newspapers and the top pay scales for reporters, and a directory of newspaper
industry professionals.
Editor & Publisher Market Guide
General Collection 5905 .E38
Offers individual market surveys of some 1,500 United States and Canadian cities
where a daily newspaper is published.
Florida News Media Directory
Reference P 88.8 .D33
Lists news agencies throughout the state.
Gale Directory of Publications and Broadcast Media
Reference PN 4867 .G3
Includes entries for newspapers, magazines, journals, and other periodicals, as well
as radio, television, and cable stations and systems in the United States and Canada,
and industry statistics and maps.
An electronic database providing directory information, brief histories, and financials
on companies, industries, and products, as well as business news. Can be searched by
industry (e.g., advertising, TV and radio).
International Television & Video Almanac
Reference PN 1992.15 .I61
Contains a year-in-review section, industry statistics, awards, directory of services,
companies and personnel, producers and distributors. Large part of the volume is devoted
to brief biographies of those in the entertainment industry. Some coverage of world
markets.
The Mass Media: Aspen Institute Guide to Communication Industry Trends
General Collection P 92 .U5 S68
A compendium of more than 300 statistical tables describing communications trends
in the U.S. from 1900 to the late 1970s. Organized by such broad subjects as growth,
ownership, economics, employment, contents trends, and audiences.
O'Dwyer's Directory of Public Relations Firms
General Collection HM 263 .O37
Lists over 2,000 public relations firms and departments of advertising agencies,
ranked by city and region according to sales, number of employees, and areas of specialization.
Snapshots
Reference Business Cornerstone HF 5826.5 .S65
For major Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs), gives demographic, retail, spending,
consumer brand/category, and audience data, along with audience or circulation statistics
for television and radio stations, cable stations and systems, newspapers, magazines,
outdoor advertising companies, and software and Internet companies within that MSA.
Standard Directory of Advertising Agencies
Reference HF 5805 .S72
Lists approximately 10,000 advertising agencies in the U.S. and other countries,
arranged by type of agency. Lists major clients of each agency. Geographic and name
indexes.
Standard Rate & Data Service series
Subscription canceled 2006
Excellent source on circulation or audience, advertising rates, and format of advertising
media. Includes newspapers, magazines, consumer and community publications, radio and
television, and other media. Sections include:
- Business Publication Advertising Source -- Reference HF 5905 .S723
- Community Publication Advertising Source -- Reference HF 5905 .S72
- Direct Marketing List Source -- Reference HF 5861 .D54
- Hispanic Media & Market Source -- Reference HF 5415.3 .H5
- Newspaper Advertising Source -- Reference HF 5905 .S73
- Print Media Production Source -- Reference HF 5905 .P7
- Radio Advertising Source -- Reference HF 5905 .S74
- SRDS Consumer Magazine Advertising Source -- Reference HF 5905 .S725
- SRDS TV & Cable Source -- Reference HF 5905 .S745
Television & Cable Factbook
Reference TK 6540 .T453
Geographic listings describe basic equipment, services and costs, ownership history
and personnel, market rankings, and sales for television stations, cable systems, and
television and cable services. See also
Broadcasting & Cable Yearbook (above).
Ulrich's International Periodicals Directory
A list of periodicals from many countries, arranged by category or subject focus.
Entries usually include title, subtitle, sponsoring organization or publisher, date
of origin, frequency, price, circulation, editors, place of publication, and where the
title is indexed or abstracted.
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Biographies
There are many sources for biographical information, but the focus of the titles listed below
is exclusively on communications, journalism, radio, television, public relations, and related
fields.
Biographical Dictionary of American Journalism
Reference PN 4871 .B56 1989
Alphabetically-arranged entries of one or two pages cover nearly 500 persons who contributed
to the field of American journalism in newspapers, magazines, radio, and television
from 1690 to the mid-1980s.
Contains biographical information on over one million individuals from all time periods,
geographical locations, and fields of endeavor. The "Biographical Facts Search" allows
searching for people based on one or more personal facts, such as occupation.
Contemporary Authors
Reference PN 771 .C662
Biographical information on current authors in many fields, including journalism and
television.
Contemporary Theatre, Film and Television
Reference PN 2012 .W5
An ongoing biographical reference series providing brief biographical information and
credits of performers, directors, writers, producers, designers, technicians, composers,
executives, and critics in the United States and Great Britain.
Dictionary of Literary
Biography series
A series of separately-edited volumes, each a collection of biographical, bibliographical,
and critical essays on authors. Below are listed some of the volumes pertinent to communication.
This series also is available online through the
Literature Resource Center
database.
- American Magazine Journalists, 1741-1850, vol. 73
- American Magazine Journalists, 1850-1900, vol. 79
- American Magazine Journalists, 1900-1960: First Series, vol. 91
- American Magazine Journalists, 1900-1960: Second Series, vol. 137
- American Newspaper Journalists, 1690-1872, vol. 43
- American Newspaper Journalists, 1873-1900, vol. 23
- American Newspaper Journalists, 1901-1925, vol. 25
- American Newspaper Journalists, 1926-1950, vol. 29
- American Newspaper Publishers, vol. 127
- American Sportswriters and Writers on Sport, vol. 241
- Twentieth-Century American Sportswriters, vol. 171
Directory of American Scholars, Volume II: English, Speech, & Drama
Reference LA 2311 .D57 1999
Volume 2 profiles United States and Canadian scholars currently active in teaching,
research, and publishing in the fields of communications, journalism, and speech. Volume
V, the index to the set, includes a name index by discipline.
Encyclopedia of Twentieth-Century Journalists
Reference PN 4871 .T34 1986
Contains biographical information on some 600 post-World War II newspaper, magazine,
and television journalists, most of whom are American.
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Internet Sources
http://www.americancomm.org/
Part of the American Communication Association's Internet site, this is an annotated
collection of communication-related hyperlinks organized by subfields (e.g., "Business
Communication," "Mass Media and Culture").
http://www.uiowa.edu/~commstud/resources/
A searchable directory of Internet sources covering multiple communication topics --
advertising, journalism, media studies, rhetoric, visual communication. Includes brief
annotations for each Web site listed.
http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/
A British-based gateway to Web sources useful in the academic study of media and communication.
Includes links to a variety of areas, such as advertising, film studies, media education,
and media influence.
http://interact.uoregon.edu/MediaLit/mlr/home/index.html
Contains many links relating to the influence of media on culture.
http://vos.ucsb.edu/browse.asp?id=2720
Covers Internet sites related to media studies, journalism, film studies, TV, radio,
telecom issues, and media theory and history.
http://vlib.org/Communication.html
Extensive links to sources dealing with communications, journalism, publishers, and
telecommunications, including professional groups, fellowships, conferences, news organizations,
and other areas.
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Ask a Librarian
If you have questions or need additional assistance,
Ask a Librarian, call the Reference Department
at (407) 823-2562, or e-mail the Department at askalibrarian@mail.ucf.edu.
The library liaison for Communications is Richard H. Harrison II, Associate
Librarian, rharriso@mail.ucf.edu.
Last Updated:
June 03, 2009
