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Electronic Resources at the UTEP Library - Research Guides

Subject Guides: Communication - General

The best and most efficient way to look for journal articles and other information dealing with the various aspects of human communication is to use online bibliographic indices or databases.  These powerful, Internet-based tracking tools are rapidly replacing indices in both print and CD-ROM formats.  They are very helpful for sorting through and manipulating large quantities of literature in one or more subject areas.  Use these tools primarily to learn what kind and how much information has been published with respect to your area of interest. 

Start by searching the indexing database that covers or tracks the bulk of the primary literature for your subject area.  A certain amount of subject or content overlap exists among databases based on each one’s primary function: subject awareness and/or full text content support.  Content overlap among databases is also dictated by what types of materials each one is assigned to track or provide awareness for.  Search in secondary indices or specialty products only for unique literature that is not already covered or tracked in the primary index.  Note: A thorough literature search will always involve more than one indexing database. 

Once you’ve established what’s potentially available on your topic, you can then start the process of locating the actual documents.  The full text of some of these documents may actually be included within the interface of the primary indexing database you used to perform your initial search.  Certain indexing or tracking databases provide links to other databases to help you locate full text documents in either print or electronic formats.  These other databases provide full text content or support for the indexing or tracking databases.  Some databases provide no external linking mechanisms whatsoever to assist you in your search for the documents themselves.  The best way around this is to familiarize yourself with each online resource to determine its function and usefulness. 

Since the subject area of communication is essentially multidisciplinary in nature, plan on using a flexible search strategy that will encompass several electronic database resources across many different subject areas.  Be prepared to do a little navigating through the various search interfaces you’ll encounter in the process, since they will all be somewhat different in terms of design and content.  Features and functionality, however, will show much more similarity and will allow you to determine patterns that will increase your information literacy with respect to electronic resources.  

If you have questions or if you'd like to schedule a research consultation, contact: 

Lisa M. Borden, Electronic Resources Librarian

Chairperson: Electronic Resources Committee (ERC)

Subject Specialist: Communication/Women's Studies

Phone: (915) 747-6709

FAX: (915) 747-5327

E-Mail: lmborden@utep.edu