This webpage provides resources to help you find information about the past, present, and future of your selected industry, issue, or technology related to digital communication.
Most of the databases on this page are restricted to UW students, staff and faculty. These are marked with a lock
. To connect to these databases from home you will need to first click on the Off-Campus Access button in the upper-right hand corner and login with your UWnetid. It may be easier to install the proxy bookmarklet that will allow you to access UW Restricted materials with one click.
Have questions or need research help? Please contact Jessica Albano, the communication studies librarian, via email at jalbano@u.washington.edu
Start Here to Find Background Information
Encyclopedias and other reference sources can provide background information and can be used to identify key people, events and dates which can then be used as search terms for finding additional information. More importantly, because encyclopedias often cover the major issues surrounding the subject, they can help you narrow your research from a broad "who, what, where, when" topic to a "how or why" question. Many also provide a jumpstart on your research by listing related readings.
- Encyclopedia of information ethics and security - Suzzallo Reference, Tacoma Reference HM851 .E555 2008
- The Internet: a Historical Encyclopedia - Suzzallo Reference, Odegaard Reference, Tacoma Reference TK5105.875.I57 I5372 2005
- Wikipedia
Start Here to Find Books
Non-fiction books can provide both an overview and indepth analysis of a topic, event or person. Many books will include footnotes and bibliography that can lead you to other research/writings on the topic.
Book reviews can be useful when evaluating a book or to get a quick synopsis.
- UW Libraries Catalog - holdings of the UW Libraries. Best used for known-item searching especially journal titles and ebooks and when you want to find just what is available on campus or in a specific branch of the UW Libraries.
- UW WorldCat - Mega-catalog that simultaneously searches the UW Libraries Catalog and other libraries in the region and worldwide, also includes some citations to articles. Best used for topical searches and for requesting books from other libraries.
Start Here to Find Academic/Scholarly Articles
Academic articles, those published in scholarly journals, are the bedrock of most academic disciplines. They provide an indepth analysis of narrow topics. Prior to publishing, articles are vetted through a process called peer-review.
Most academic articles and books include footnotes or a bibliography which can lead you to additional sources on a topic.
- more databases ...
Start Here to Find News and Magazine Articles
The most current information often appears in newspapers, magazines, web sites, and other sources published or updated frequently.
- More news databases ...
Created by: Jessica Albano
Last modified: Wednesday January 21, 2009 (jalbano)
