Film Research Guide  

Ask a librarian to help you find credible sources for your research assignment!

You can contact me directly for a consultation.

--Tony

Subject encyclopedias are especially useful reference sources. Written on general topics such as international film, or specialized ones, such as film noir, particular ethnic groups in film, women filmmakers, or the films of individual countries, they have summary articles, often written by scholars or other experts, that give you an overview of a topic. You can browse these to help you decide if you are interested in doing more research on the topic. If you have already decided on a topic, these sources may give you a framework or context for your specific investigation. The articles will also give you names of people and places important for the topic, key dates, and other information you can use in further research. Many articles in subject encyclopedias include a bibliography or list of recommended books and articles on the topic. Using these recommendations is a good way to begin more in-depth research.

To find subject encyclopedias, use the HSU Library Catalog, not QuickSearch:

• Choose the Advanced Search tab.
• Type the term(s) for the subject you are looking for in the first Search: box, for example art, women artists, symbols, etc. Use as few words as possible.
• Change any of these to all of these or as a phrase, if needed.
• Change the first within: menu to subject.
• Type encyclopedias dictionaries in the second Search: box. (Many encyclopedias are called dictionaries. It just means that their articles are in alphabetical, or "dictionary," order.)
• Change the second within: menu to subject.
• Click the Search button.

For more help with using the Reference collection, please ask a librarian.