Research Guides
COM 442: History of Media Technology & Regulation: Primary: Law & Policy
The Federal Government produces a wide array of publications ranging from Congressional bills, debates, hearings and reports to agency research publications, maps and posters. Plus there is census and statistical data, presidential speeches, scientific studies, propaganda, diplomatic correspondence and more.
As primary sources these official governmental publications provide insight into all aspects of history from social issues to politics, from cultural mores to scientific endeavor.
Help: Unpacking Evidence: Official Documents & Learning to Do Historical Research: Government Documents
Government Documents
For help on finding government reports, check with the staff at Government Publications located on the ground floor of Suzzallo Library. For additional sources of US government information see the guide for US Federal Government Resources.
- Archival Research Catalog This link opens in a new window
- Monthly Catalog of U.S. Government Publications, 1895-1976 This link opens in a new window
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Law Reviews
Law reviews provide in-depth discussion and analysis of legal topics. They can be very useful overviews of a topic and will usually identify major laws, governmental reports and legal cases related to the topic. For additional legal sources see Gallagher Law Library and the Law Research Guide. See the Communicating News & Events tab on this guide to find contemporary magazine and newspaper articles (articles written during the time period of your topic).