Research Guides: Communication Studies Subject Guide: Background Info & Books

Reference sources

Finding background information

When you are new to a topic, library-subscribed reference sources can help you define key terms and gain a general understanding. These are similar to Wikipedia, except that they are more authoritative. You can use such sources in your assignments with confidence.

Here are some reference sources that are relevant to public relations and advertising:

Oxford Bibliographies Online: Communication
These expertly written articles will guide you to the best scholarship available in your subject. Over 240 topics within communication studies are covered.

More Library-subscribed reference works

Books

The Library has hundreds of thousands of books, both online and in print. They range from introductory texts to in-depth scholarly studies of specialized topics. Search our vast collection with OneSearch.

Access OneSearch

Tips for using OneSearch to find books:

Filter your results so that only books appear in the results list
Limit your search to the subject field to increase relevancy

Detailed Guide to OneSearch

Recommended books

Here are some highlights from the Library's book collection relevant to communication studies:

Introduction to Communication Studies by John Fiske
Call Number: E-book
ISBN: 9780415596497
Publication Date: 2010
How can we study communication? What are the main theories and methods of approach? This classic text provides a lucid, accessible introduction to the main authorities in the field of communication studies, aimed at students coming to the subject for the first time.
Media Today by Joseph Turow
Call Number: E-book
ISBN: 9780415876070
Publication Date: 2011
Provides the media literacy skills needed to think critically about the role of media in modern life. This book uses a media systems approach to look closely at the production, distribution, and exhibition of media, from Hollywood films to Facebook

Video

Scholars of communication will find useful content in the Library's access to the Media, Communication & Cultural Studies collection of SAGE Video. In the clip below, Dr. Dave Hesmondhalgh (Professor of Media and Music Industries, University of Leeds) comments on the practical benefits of studying the media.

Search the full Media, Communication & Cultural Studies collection on SAGE Video