I truly cannot remember the last time that I picked up a book to read for ‘pleasure’. I am constantly reading but academic reading, to develop my knowledge and learning, a totally different experience. This Christmas will be no different, having already ‘maxed’ both my University Student and Staff library card out.
Working as a library attendant to support my MSc Public Relations #USW_PR means that I get to see, all the new books before they even go on the shelf, for me the temptation is just ‘too much’. Despite my resolutions not to borrow another single item, I have scanned another ‘must have’ book out on loan. For some people it is shoes, chocolates, or makeup, for me it has and always will be books.
I love the smell, the feel, opening the pages, looking in the index for familiar words, ‘strategy, crisis communications, PEST analysis, qualitative research, epistemology, etc., etc…. Recognising familiar themes, understanding the words and meaning. My heart giving a little jump for joy as I find the perfect chapter, 'just what I have been searching for'.
It was not feasible for me to select just one book to review, so instead I am going to give you a little glimpse of what my Christmas Reading List looks like. Some are old favourites, others are new additions. As academic texts, I do not read them from cover to cover but flit in and out of them, highlighting and bookmarking relevant pages. I may not need something I read today, but it is there, somewhere logged away at the back of my mind for future reference.
This was the first book which helped me to fully grasp the concept of Ethics and Sustainability. I bought my own copy whilst completing the final year of my BA (Hons) Degree. Each chapter explains the relationship between organisations and its stakeholders, the ethical issues which can arise, and the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainability and Globalisation.
Although not specifically a Public Relations text book it has chapters on many of the relevant key concepts. Each Chapter contains valuable additional resources including definitions of key terms and recommended additional reading. I have found this an excellent text, that I have used time and time again.
I have used this and continue to use this text as my primary guide in undertaking qualitative research. It is user friendly with basic explanations that clearly explain the fundamental principles and theories of qualitative research.
The book provides a guide from start to finish on how to undertake qualitative research, with large amounts of practical examples from the authors personal experience.
It also explains all those 'big words' such as ‘Positivism, Constructionism, Ethnography, Grounded Theory etc, etc’. The words that keep you awake worrying at night, can be found here, with clear precise definitions.
There are hundreds of books written on Qualitative Research, I found this one and it suited me. I recommend that you visit #USWlibrary and look through some of the numerous titles available to find the one that suits you best.
This is of specific relevance to my personal research looking at youth political participation, and Brexit. Despite this, it is an extraordinary read, offering insight into ‘youthquake’ and an outcome, that no-one could have foreseen.
Written as individual chapters on separate elements, including topics such as disengagement and populism, party campaigning and digital strategies, young voters, and the election in Wales.
Due to the rapid speed with which ‘Brexit’ is constantly unfolding and changing it is extremely difficult to locate credible, accurate, up to date literature.
This is a solid reliable text that provides a firm base upon which to structure my research.I intend to read this from cover to cover, over the upcoming months..
All the above titles were borrowed from The University of South Wales Library #USWlibrary and provide a glimpse of my reading over the Christmas Holidays. I would love to hear about your book recommendations, wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! #USW_PR #bestPRblogs #prstudent #USWlibrary #USW #USW_PR
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