Communication Studies - Information Compilations

Collections & archives

Materials such as speeches, broadcasts, films, statistics, scales, and other documents are often housed in collections and archives. Many of these are now available through the Internet. Others exist in print and are found in many libraries.

Gifts of Speech: Women's Speeches from Around the World - from Sweet Briar College

American Leaders Speak: Recordings from World War I and the 1920 Election

This site from the Library of Congress offers both written texts and audio recordings of speeches from the earlier part of this century.

Radio Archive of the University of Memphis

This site offers a catalog and ordering information for thousands of radio programs representing most series and shows on radio.

Speeches and Speechmakers - University of Iowa

Speeches of U.S. Presidents - University of Groningen, Netherlands

Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents -1993 to date

PRINT - Check your library for these books:

• Communication Research Measures: A Sourcebook
• Documents of American Broadcasting
• Editorials on File
• Vital Speeches of the Day
• Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents

Web collections

The wealth of information on the web for communication scholars is often collected and presented by organizations or individuals as large "meta-sites." These collections of web sites are valuable because they bring so many sources together and because they often evaluate sites before including them. However, the sheer number of sources offered, combined with the extensive overlap among them, can be frustrating. This is particularly true when you are looking for something specific.

Web meta-sites for communication studies:

Center for Communication Studies - from the American Communication Association

Communication Institute for Online Scholarship (CIOS)

Links to Communication Studies Resources - University of Iowa Department of Communication Studies

Links to General Communication Studies Resources - University of Iowa Department of Communication Studies

Kurylo's Communication Links Index - created and maintained by Anastacia Kurylo, Doctoral Candidate, Communication Department, Rutgers University

Web meta-sites for specific areas of communication and related disciplines:

Advertising World

Computer-Mediated Communication Studies Center

MCS: The Media and Communications Studies Site

Nonverbal Communication Research Page

Web meta-sites for researchers and writers:

Media History Project

Statistical sources

American Factfinder

This is an excellent gateway to economic and population census data. Data are available for download, in customizable tables or in thematic mapped. The site provides access data from the Decennial Censuses, the Economic Censusus, and the American Community Survey.

FedStats

More than 70 agencies in the United States Federal Government produce statistics of interest to the public. The Federal Interagency Council on Statistical Policy maintains this site to provide easy access to the full range of statistics and information produced by these agencies for public use.

A Matter of Fact

This OhioLINK database presents excerpts of statistical information from U.S. government sources, periodical articles, and newspapers. Coverage is international.

Stat-USA

Produced by the U.S. Department of Commerce; offers business, economic, and trade data from over 40 Federal government agencies.

Statistical Abstract of the United States

This source presents abstracts of statistical reports from the federal government. It is a very good starting place for most statistical questions. Use the index and go to the table number listed. Note: numbers in the index refer to table numbers, not page numbers. Requires the Adobe Acrobat Reader.

This is also available as a book that can be found in nearly every library.

University of Michigan Documents Center

This is a Web meta-site for statistics.

Government publications

The U.S. federal government publishes on many topics. Each branch of government, each agency, and all the independent commissions and institutes publish material. Much of it is now available on the Web. A good starting place is this site, which collects much of the information onto one page:

Government Documents - Resources
A compilation of government sources from Kent State University

Selected sources and their web sites (most are also available in print in many libraries):

Catalog of United States Publications - Web version of the Monthly Catalog of United States Publications

Code of Federal Regulations

Federal Register

Congressional Universe

Occupational Outlook Handbook

This well-established source provides valuable information about the future of jobs and workplaces. It advises readers on choosing a career and finding a job. Information about specific occupations includes the nature of the work, job outlook, earnings, and qualifications.

United States Code

United States Government Manual

Yearbooks

These yearbooks are available in most libraries:

• Almanac of American Politics
• Broadcasting & Cable Yearbook
• Editor & Publisher International Year Book
• International Motion Picture Almanac
• World Almanac and Book of Facts

Directories

In communication, directories are factbooks and lists, often providing addresses, phone numbers, or easy access to media presentations.

CIOS Whitepages Service

A directory of communication scholars and professionals.

Communication Departments

Links to communication-related academic departments in U.S. colleges and universities, from the National Communication Association.

These additional printed directories are available in many libraries:

• The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows, 1946-present
• Gale Directory of Publications and Broadcast Media
• Media Review Digest
• Standard & Poor's Register of Corporations, Directors & Executives
• Video Source Book

Dictionaries

Dictionaries contain word meanings. They're useful for understanding difficult reading material or publications not in one's own discipline.

Sites for Dictionaries from the Internet Public Library

A Web of On-line Dictionaries

This is well-known site offers an impressive variety of Web dictionaries. It includes both language dictionaries (covering more than 140 languages) and specialized dictionaries focusing on terminology specific to disciplines, occupations, hobbies, and more.

Other relevant specialized dictionaries available as books is many libraries include:

• International Dictionary of Broadcasting and Film
• NTC's Dictionary of Advertising

Manuals

Manuals are handy reference guides that help when you need a quick rule or some guidance on how to do something. In communication, most manuals deal with writing style.

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association -

The definitive guide to APA style. Available in most libraries, or for purchase from APA or Amazon .

The Elements of Style

   by William Strunk.  Also available in print in most libraries.

Writer's Handbook

This is a very useful site with guidelines and tips about academic writing, including writing reviews and research papers. Includes sections on style and grammar, plus a very helpful part on citing sources, with emphasis on APA and MLA styles. From th University of Wisconsin-Madison Writing Center.

These books are also useful sources for writing guidelines and advice:

• Advertising Compliance Handbook
• The Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual
• Legal Research in a Nutshell