COMM 318: Professional Communication: Reference
Reference @ Western Libraries
What are Reference Books? Why are they important?
Reference books are encyclopedias, dictionaries, and other reference materials that provide readers with a thorough overview of a topic. Some things to look for in a reference text are:
- Bibliographies: Literally translated as 'A list of books,' this section is usually located at the end of an encyclopedic entry and contains a list of further sources for you to investigate. A bibliography is a wonderful resource, simply because it gives you access to more information without having to search for the information.
- Keywords: Some dictionaries and encyclopedias have a list of subject terms that are specific to your discipline. Knowing some of these terms can help you when you conduct research.
- Chronologies: Some dictionaries and encyclopedias have one or several chronologies. A chronology is a timeline with important, discipline-specific events and is usually located in the front or back of a reference text.
- Entries: The entries in a reference text provide background information on a specific topic, and are usually organized alphabetically.
Below I've provided a list of reference materials from the Reference Collection at Western Libraries. These texts are located on second floor of Haggard Hall, and do not circulate. However, you are more than welcome to scan or photocopy relevant entries!
Reference Texts
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Communication Research: Strategies & Sources by
Call Number: P91.3 .R83 2005ISBN: 0534564860Publication Date: 2005 -
Dictionary of Media and Communications by
Call Number: P87.5 .D359 2009ISBN: 076568098XPublication Date: 2009 -
Encyclopedia of Communication and Information by
Call Number: P87.5 .E53 2001ISBN: 0028653866Publication Date: 2001 -
Encyclopedia of Communication Theory by
Call Number: P87.5 .E496 2009ISBN: 1412959373Publication Date: 2009 -
Encyclopedia of Political Communication by
Call Number: JA85 .E64 2008ISBN: 1412917999Publication Date: 2008 -
Intercultural Communication by
Call Number: P94.6 .I58 2010ISBN: 1848601204Publication Date: 2010 -
Media and Communication Research Methods by
Call Number: P91.3 .B385 2000ISBN: 0761918531Publication Date: 2000 -
The Handbook of Group Communication Theory and Research by
Call Number: HM133 .H354 1999ISBN: 0761910271Publication Date: 1999 -
The International Encyclopedia of Communication by
Call Number: P87.5 .I58 2008ISBN: 1405131993Publication Date: 2008
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