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The Write Stuff:
Resources for Journalism & Communications Students
Books found through the PAC can give a
helpful overview of your topic. If your topic is very current you may need to
rely on periodical articles for background information.
You can also search the library catalogs for
area libraries.
General Encyclopedias
General encyclopedias give concise surveys of general interest topics. The
articles often contain a built-in outline to help you organize your assignment.
There are several sets in the Reference stacks beginning with the call number
AE5.
- Britannica
Online (SDSU users only)
- A fully searchable, expanded version of the Encyclopaedia Britannica. Provides access to Britannica's latest article database, Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, and the Britannica Book of the Year.
- Columbia Encyclopedia
- Choose "Encyclopedia" from the sources pull-down menu.
- Encarta Online
- This is an abridged version of the CD-ROM version sold by Microsoft.
Subject Encyclopedias and Dictionaries
Subject encyclopedias and dictionaries are considerably more specialized and detailed than are the general sets. The articles are usually written by scholars in the field and often include bibliographies for further study. To find subject encyclopedias in the PAC, do a subject search and LIMIT to the subject word "dictionaries."
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Almanacs contain frequently needed facts and statistics, gathered from
many sources and reprinted under one cover.
- Infoplease.com
Information Please Almanac. Boston: Information Please, Co, 1947-ongoing.
Location: AY64 .I55 Reference Desk
- Both a print and online version is available. The web site for the online versions of Information Please Alamanc, Random House Webster's College Dictionary, and Columbia Encyclopedia.
- Old Farmer's Almanac
- The online version has less information than in the paper edition. Included in the online version are weather forecasts, lunar tables, folk proverbs.
- World Almanac
(SDSU users only)
World Almanac and Book of Facts. New York: Press Publishing, 1923-ongoing.
Location: AY7 .N5 W7 Reference Desk
- The detailed index is in the front of the book. The online version includes
The World Almanac and Book of Facts, The World Almanac of the U.S.A.,
The World Almanac of U.S. Politics, The World Almanac for
Kids, and The World Almanac Knowledge.
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- CQ
Research. 1991-ongoing.
CQ Researcher (formerly Editorial Research Reports). Washington, DC: Congressional Quarterly, 1991-ongoing.
Location: JK62 .E352 Reference
- Short (10-15 pages) but comprehensive reports on current topics. A selective bibliography follows most reports.
- CQ
Weekly. 1983-ongoing.
CQ Weekly Report. Washington, DC: Congressional Quarterly, 1956-ongoing.
Location: JK .C15 Reference
- Facts, figures and commentary on all aspects of congressional activity are
presented here, including the President's position on major legislation, his
news conferences, and vetoes. Online coverage begins with 1983.
- California Journal. Sacramento, CA: California Journal, 1972-ongoing.
Location: JK8701 .C33 Reference
- Covers the California legislature, governor, and elections.
This page http://infodome.sdsu.edu/research/guides/communication/what.shtml is maintained by Carolyn Baber.
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File saved 08/03/07 10:15 PDT
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