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Communication: Background Info

Library resources and library class guides for students in Communications.

Explore Your Topic

Web searching

The open Web is home to a wealth of great information (our government agencies, professional associations and many news publications).

Google search tips:

  • search by domain extension: site:gov or site:UK.  There are many extensions, some are for countries (.UK, .JP, .IN), others for industries (.JOBS is for HR departments)
  • combine the site search with a filetype search -- site:UK filetype:xls (now we have spreadsheets people in the UK posted online)

Once you find it,  evaluate it:

CRAAP test: Currency - Relevance - Authority - Accuracy - Purpose

Applying the CRAAP test seems easy on the surface. But in reality, any site can have misinformation.  Be suspicious, assume bias, suspect fraud, double check facts. 

Books - handbooks and encyclopedias

Handbooks and encyclopedias can help you develop a topic or search strategy.

Find Books via Auraria Library

  • Search for a book by author, title, subject or keyword(s) describing your topic.
  • Your results will contain both print books and ebooks.
    • For print books, write down the call number to locate the book in the Library.
    • For ebooks, a green "Full Text Online" icon will appear beside the title. Click on the icon to access the full-text.