Film History to 1950 Expand All + Collapse All - Course Number: FS240 Subject: Film Studies Introduction This guide accompanies an in-class workshop about doing research for the Nickelodeon Assignment. OBJECTIVE: learn how to search an online archive to find primary sources you can use as evidence. Secondary Research Secondary research = engaging with sources of existing research on a topic. E.g. Nickelodeon City (2008) Your Secondary Research Process You'll find a list of secondary sources in FS240 course readings. This is your first step - background research to learn about the subject. Start by reading 1 or 2 book chapters and/or articles that sound good. Search within sources by using: the table of contents the index the search function (ebooks) ctrl + F (PDFs) Primary Research Primary research = engaging with sources that get you close to contemporary information on a topic. E.g. Moving Picture World (1907-1927) Your Primary Research Process Be sure to leave lots of time for this research. You'll need to skim, dive, surface as you explore issues of journals and magazines. Get your bearings a bit by flipping through an issue to see what's inside. Take notes as you go: Keep track of examples as you find them. Collect keywords and try some targeted searching. Keep a document listing links to potential sources so you don't lose them. Where to Search Media History Digital Library A free online resource featuring millions of pages of books and magazines from the histories of film, broadcasting, and recorded sound. Access film industry trade journals: Moving Picture World The Nickelodeon Motion Picture News Variety Search Tips Search the Early Cinema Collection using advanced search. Add the publisher to search a particular source (e.g. Variety). Use "quotation marks" to keep words together (e.g. "piano organ"). Use a +plus sign before a word to make it required (e.g. +vivaphone) Internet Archive A non-profit library of millions of free books, movies, software, music, websites, and more. Motion Picture Making and Exhibiting (1914) Motion Picture Handbook: A Guide for Managers and Operators of Motion Picture Theatres (1916) Exterior and Interior Ornamentation in Plaster, Composition & Cement for the Motion Picture Theatre (1913) Handbook for Motion Picture and Stereopticon Operators (1908) Opening and Operating a Motion Picture Theatre. How It Is Done Successfully (1912) IMDb You can find running lengths for some films in IMDb. Activity I want to draw audiences in for the holidays, and am wondering if I should invest in Deagan chimes. What are some things I should consider? Let's get 3 ideas from 3 different sources into our FS240 shared Google Doc! Search for ideas in: MHDL advanced search (for primary research) Music and Sound in Silent Film: From The Nickelodeon to The Artist (for secondary research)