Getting started |
It's a good idea to begin your research by getting a working knowledge of your topic, which is a basic understanding of the concepts, vocabulary and issues surrounding your topic. Once you have a working knowledge of your topic, you will be better prepared to dig a little deeper. The library has specialized encyclopedias, dictionaries and handbooks in the Reference collection, which are good sources of background information. They can also be excellent resources to browse when you are choosing a topic to research.
- McIntyre Online Catalog: limit your search to the Reference collection or include the word "encyclopedias" in a keyword search.
Use broad or general terms under which your specific topic may be included. For example, if you are writing an article about nanotechnology, consider searching for a science or technology encyclopedia that will provide a concise, authoratative overview.
- Subject dictionaries
- Subject encyclopedias
- CQ Researcher Reports on current, controversial issues of the day. Summarizes the current debate and gives sources of
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Additional resources:
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Researching Communication & Journalism topics |
McIntyre Online Catalog: search the catalog for books, government documents, videos/DVDs/CDs 
Searching on some of the following subject headings in the catalog may be useful: |
- Advertising
- Censorship
- Copyright
- Democracy
- Freedom of information
- Journalism
- Journalistic ethics
- Libel and slander
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- Mass media
- Mass media -- Law and legislation
- Obscenity (Law)
- Press law
- Propaganda
- Radio
- Reporters and reporting
- Television
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| Communication and Journalism databases: A list of the best databases for searching on topics in the area of communication, media, journalism, public relations, etc. |
Resources for reporters |
- Databases by discipline: Find the best databases for searching for articles in the subject area on which you are reporting.
- News databases: Find articles and commentary from thousands of regional, national and international newspapers, wire services, news releases, broadcast transcripts, and more
- LexisNexis Academic:
- LexisNexis Congressional: Provides a full range of congressional information, including bills, public laws, legislative histories, regulations, voting records, campaign contributions, commmittees and more.
- Associations Unlimited (and its print counterpart, Encyclopedia of Associations, REF HS17 .G3): a database/book that provides a wealth of information about associations and organizations. Professional and trade associations can be useful sources of information and statistics.
- Columbia International Affairs Online (CIAO): working papers, policy briefs, journals, books, case studies on international issues.
- Statistical Abstract: This compilation is a great source of data on a wide range of topics. It is also useful in directing you to additional sources of data. (Also available in print at the library reference desk).
- AmericanFactfinder: the U.S. Census source for population, housing, economic, and geographic data
- Scholarly vs. popular journals: How to tell the difference
- Periodical list: find out what journals/magazines/newspapers McIntyre Library has (online or in print)
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Citing Sources |
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Avoiding Plagiarism |
Plagiarism is the failure--intentional or unintentional--to give someone else credit for his/her words, ideas or creative work. It can range from improperly documenting a source in a paper to downloading an entire paper from the Web and turning it in as your own work.
Find out more:
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McIntyre Library, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | Jill Markgraf | Updated: September 7, 2007