Native Americans in the Movies: Some Strategies for Research

Gary Handman Media Resources Center Moffitt Library Native Americans in the Movies: Some Strategies for Research

1. 1.Describe the types of writing and research about film 2. 2.Introduce selected sources for finding books and journal articles in film studies & related fields 3. 3.Discuss how to select article databases (and determine what’s in them) 4. 4.Discuss how to develop search strategies

The (Library) Information Universe BooksBooks Journals (Magazines) & NewspapersJournals (Magazines) & Newspapers Government docsGovernment docs MapsMaps Media (video, sound recording, etc.)Media (video, sound recording, etc.) Computer files (e.g. CD- ROMS)Computer files (e.g. CD- ROMS) Online Resources DissertationsOnline Resources Dissertations ManuscriptsManuscripts EphemeraEphemera

The Information Universe But how do you find this stuff?

The Information Universe Library Catalog(s) Journal/Newspaper Indexes

Inventory of what the Library owns: Books Books Journals (BUT NOT what’s inside of them!!!!!!) Journals (BUT NOT what’s inside of them!!!!!!) Library Catalogs Search by: AuthorAuthor TitleTitle Subject (keywords)Subject (keywords) Media Media Manuscripts, documents, maps…etc. etc. etc. etc.) Manuscripts, documents, maps…etc. etc. etc. etc.) Pathfinder and Melvyl

The Information Universe: Books In the zone : the twilight world of Rod Serling / In the zone : the twilight world of Rod Serling / Author: Wolfe, Peter, Published: Bowling Green, OH : Bowling Green State University Popular Press, c1997. Location(s)Location(s): MAIN: PN T87 W66 Get da Book in da Stax Call # (It really does mean something!)

The Information Universe: Finding Articles Article Databases (Indexes/Abstracts) Databases produced by different commercial publishers; often look/act differently from one another. Regularly updated Allow subject/author searching in a group of journals in a particular discipline or topical area. FULLLLL TEXXXXT!Some indexes also offer abstracts AND/OR FULLLLL TEXXXXT!

Choosing an Articles database (index) Look at the listings of article databases available via the library includes listings by SUBJECT, NAME, etc. General Databases are often good places to start (particularly for newsy/topical issues)

Articles/Reviews (how do you find this stuff?) Film-related (not many exist) Film-related (not many exist) General news General news Literary and Arts Literary and Arts Other disciplines: e.g. Women’s Studies, American Studies, Ethnic Studies, History…etc. Other disciplines: e.g. Women’s Studies, American Studies, Ethnic Studies, History…etc. Article databases (aka Indexes)

Article Databases (how do you know which ones to use?) Jumping Off point for Finding Online Indexes: Jumping Off point for Finding Online Indexes:

Once You Find a Journal Citation, How Do You Find the Article? Some indexes provide holdings info [UC eLinks]Some indexes provide holdings info [UC eLinks] Some indexes link to full-textSome indexes link to full-text If neither…use Pathfinder to look up the JOURNAL by title

How to Begin? Before you click: THINK Formulate a concise, concrete statement of the research problem Formulate your search in terms of keywords and key phrases: The impact of television advertising and television violence on school performance and pre-adolesecent social interaction.

How to Begin? Before you click: THINK Think of synonyms for key words/phrases The impact of television advertising and television violence on school performance and pre-adolesecent social interaction. Children Youth Adolescents …etc. Commercials Ads …etc. Academic achievement Grades …etc. Media TV…etc Socialization, relationships, peer interaction…etc.

Once you’ve found something that looks promising, Check out the “official” subject headings

Common Search Features: --Save list of good stuff --Mail Articles/Citations to yourself

Remember Also: Not every topic has lots written about it, either in books or journal lit.Not every topic has lots written about it, either in books or journal lit. --Research on very current topics --Research on extremely specific topics --Research on topics off the beaten academic track or off the popculture radar

What to do if too much is turning up: Narrow your topic: e.g.: geographically, chronologically; by race, gender, ethnic group; Specific focus or aspect of the topic (e.g. ethical, social, economic, political aspects) What to do if nothing is turning up: Broaden your topic / go for the more general / select a different angle Rethink your search strategy (new keywords, new concepts, etc.) Bail out and choose another topic

Connecting from off-campus Instructions at HELP/CONNECTING FROM OFF CAMPUS

a growing listing of bibliographies on various film topics and individual films compiled by MRC (includes bibs for genres, filmmakers, national cinemas, and individual film).

…being driven totally bananas by your research? Call me: Gary Handman