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Virtual Research Guide:
Arts & Entertainment

Resources in this research guide include databases, digital reference books, and Internet sites covering the subjects of art, movies, television, theater, photography, sports, and entertainment. The materials included in this guide would generally be classified in the 700s of the Dewey Decimal System.

 

FEATURED DATABASES

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NewsBank Digital Replica Editions: Provides instant online access to exact replicas of these popular newspapers with sharp, full-color pages that can be easily read, navigated, searched, and printed.

The New York Times (Daily) (in-Library link)
The New York Times (Daily) (outside Library link)

The New York Times Magazine (in-Library link)
The New York Times Magazine (outside Library link)

The New York Times - Advance Sunday (in-Library link)
The New York Times - Advance Sunday (outside Library link)

 

DIGITAL REFERENCE BOOKS

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Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Popular Musicians Since 1990. Stephen Wasserstein, Ken Wachsberger, and Tanya Laplante, Eds. Detroit: Schirmer Reference, 2004. 880 pp. 2 vols.

This biographical reference includes more than 550 entries focusing on artists active from 1990-2003. Individual artists and groups in all popular styles are covered, including those in rock, rhythm and blues, rap, country, electronica, jazz, vocal and crossover classical. Features include select discographies, bibliographies, a glossary of music terms, a table of best-selling music since 1990 and more.

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Schirmer Encyclopedia of Film. Barry Grant, Ed. New York: Schirmer Reference, 2007. 2136 pp. 4 vols.

This reference provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to film and film studies, covering such aspects as production, national traditions, studios, genres, critical theory and film history. Approximately 200 entries cover specific topics, including acting, censorship, editing, lighting and others. Also included are more than 230 career profiles, placing individual achievements in the context of specific topics (for example, Robert Altman is featured in the article on "Sound"). Additional features include a comprehensive index; a list of further reading sources; 350 black-and-white and 150 full color photographs; and more.

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St. James Encyclopedia of Popular Culture. Sara Pendergast and Tom Pendergast, Eds. Detroit: St. James Press, 2000. 3065 pp. 5 vols.

Includes more than 2,700 signed essays ranging from 500 to 2,500 words, written by subject experts and edited to form a consistent, readable, and straightforward reference. Entries include subject-specific bibliographies and, where appropriate, photographs and textual cross-references to related essays.

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Berkshire Encyclopedia of World Sport. David Levinson and Karen Christensen, Eds. Great Barrington, Massachusetts: Berkshire, 2005. 1750 pp. 4 vols.

This groundbreaking resource captures the essence of the world of sport and its incredible variety for students, teachers, researchers, professionals, and sports enthusiasts. Coverage is truly global and interdisciplinary, incorporating knowledge from sports management, sports science, human movement studies, sport history, and sport sociology synthesized in 450 comprehensive, illustrated articles. Key social issues such as doping, racism, sexism, civic life, youth participation, and public policy are amply covered, with all perspectives represented.

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History of the American Cinema. Peter Lev and Charles Harpole, Eds. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons.

History of the American Cinema Vol. 1, 1990
History of the American Cinema Vol. 2, 1990
History of the American Cinema Vol. 3, 1990
History of the American Cinema Vol. 4, 1997
History of the American Cinema Vol. 5, 1993
History of the American Cinema Vol. 6, 1997
History of the American Cinema Vol. 7, 2003
History of the American Cinema Vol. 8, 2001
History of the American Cinema Vol. 9, 2000
History of the American Cinema Vol. 10, 2000

This 10-volume series considers the film industry from its early roots in the 19th century through the 1980s. It examines the development of film and the film industry, analyzing both the genres, themes and technology that defined each decade and the political and economic background that gave rise to them.

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Notable Sports Figures. Dana R. Barnes, Ed. Detroit: Gale, 2004. 1903 pp. 4 vols.

Takes a close look at the people in sports who have captured attention because of success on the playing field, or controversy off the playing field. This work features biographies on more than 600 people from around the world and throughout history who have had an impact not only on their sport, but also on the society and culture of their times. It also includes not only the record-breakers that dominated and changed their sport, but also the controversial figures that made headlines even apart from athletic events.

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Television in American Society Reference Library. Laurie Hillstrom, Ed. Detroit: UXL, 2007. 670 pp. 4 vols.

Focused on a popular topic, this exciting collection gives students and teachers substantial material for discussion and research. The three-volume set shows how television has reflected and influenced American society and culture throughout its history, covering both positive and negative effects. Accessible and interesting as well as informative, this Library includes more than 180 interesting illustrations and sidebars, clear prose, and ideas for activities, research and further reading. A subject index, chronology and words-to-know section are among the many other features supporting student achievement.