Research Guides: Public Relations: Find Scholarly Sources

Why Use Scholarly Sources?

Scholarly sources -- such as peer-reviewed journal articles and books published by academic presses -- are written by credentialed scholars who are experts in a specific discipline or field. The information they produce is vetted before publication by other scholarly experts from the same discipline in a review process. That process is called peer review and it helps to evaluate the quality of scholarship, reduce bias, identify conflicts of interest, and assess overall contributions to the discipline.

When and Why You Should Use Scholarly Sources:

You need information that is based on research and factual evidence
You need information from a recognized scholarly expert on a topic
You need in-depth analysis and/or a historical overview of a topic
You need a summary of prior research done on a topic
You need suggestions for additional sources to use (tip: look at the references, footnotes, or bibliography)

Remember: Scholarly sources may include terminology or jargon that is used within that discipline and can seem dry or intense to read. Also, scholars may organize their scholarly works differently in order to document evidence that either supports or refutes claims and conclusions. Look for visual cues in the source to help guide you to relevant information (e.g. headings, sections, bullets, or charts/graphs in articles, and table of contents and indexes in books).

Find Articles in Key Databases for Public Relations Scholarly Research

Need to find scholarly articles? Try a subject-focused database. These are good places to start!

Communication & Mass Media Complete This link opens in a new window
Contains full-text articles on all aspects of Communication & Mass Media Studies, including advertising, broadcasting, journalism, mass media, and more.
APA PsycInfo This link opens in a new window
Contains citations and summaries of journal articles, book chapters, books and technical reports all in the field of psychology and psychological aspects of related disciplines, such as medicine, psychiatry, nursing, sociology, education, pharmacology, physiology, linguistics, anthropology, business and law.
Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection This link opens in a new window
Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection includes full-text journals covering topics in emotional and behavioral characteristics, psychiatry & psychology, mental processes, anthropology, and observational and experimental methods.
Business Source Complete This link opens in a new window
Contains full-text articles on all aspects of business, like management, company histories, industry information, branding and marketing, advertising, and more.
ABI/INFORM Complete This link opens in a new window
Contains articles on business conditions, trends, and management techniques around the world.

And, even more databases!

Find Specific Journals Using Journal Finder

Want to know if we have a specific journal or periodical? Use the search box to find full-text online or print journals:

ILLiad
If the journal does not appear in this search or the available date range does not match the date you need, request the item via ILLiad (interlibrary loan).

Public Relations Focused Journals

Public Relations Review
Contains scholarship that examine public relations in depth, and most of the articles are based on empirical research undertaken by professionals and academics in the field.
Journal of Public Relations Research
Publishes scholarship that creates, tests, or expands public relations theory.
PR Journal
Publishes articles covering topics having to do with public relations and communication studies. From the Public Relations Society of America.
Public Relations Quarterly
Publishes articles on the theory and practice of public relations, marketing public affairs, education and organizational communication.
Public Relations Inquiry
Publishes scholarship supporting debates on new ways of thinking about public relations in social, cultural and political contexts.

Find the Full-Text

Can't Locate Your Article Online?

Use the link found in the Library Search or the button available from most other databases to locate the entire article online.
If your article is not available in print or via another research database, request it via ILLiad (interlibrary loan).

Find Books at Temple

Need to find a book? Use the following source to find books at Temple.

Library Search: Books
Use the Library Search to search for books on your topic.

Need additional help? See the FAQs How do I find books? and How do I request, pick-up, and borrow items from the BookBot?

Find Books at Other Libraries

Can't find a book you need at Temple? Try using the following sources and request books to be sent to Temple.

EZBorrow
Search nearby libraries for books that are either currently unavailable or not owned by Temple. Available copies may be requested online and are generally ready for pick-up within 3-5 business days.