Resources
A hallmark of professionalism is freely sharing knowledge that enhances others’ capability and effectiveness.
The following selection of vetted links is intended to offer credible information related to public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, writing and related topics.
In a time when questionable online content has caused uncertainty and conflict, this list presents a concise summary of reputable sources. It neither can be, nor aims to be, definitive. Many other credible organizations have a digital presence and should be consulted. Inclusion does not imply endorsement.
Artificial Intelligence
Brookings Institute – Artificial Intelligence – dedicated theme page of nonpartisan U.S.-based think tank that conducts research on key public policy themes.
Canada.ai – national collaborative effort that highlights Canadian AI and machine learning innovation; supports dialogue about how AI can augment Canadian society.
CIFAR – Pan Canadian AI Strategy – recruits international AI researchers, while retaining domestic talent; funds research; helps train future AI leaders.
Pew Research Center – Internet & Technology – nonpartisan U.S.-based fact tank that conducts social science research on major trends; section covers AI.
Scale AI – consortium of private entities, research centres, academia, startups; identifies, funds collaborative projects; helps Canada stay ahead of the AI curve.
Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society – convenes expertise across disciplines so that new technologies like AI are responsible, inclusive and beneficial.
The Alan Turing Institute – began operating in 2015; added AI in 2017; launched open university network in 2023 to support collaboration.
Vector Institute – develops people, skills and resources to be best in class in using AI; supports innovation clusters; helps startups grow to become global leaders.
Fact-Checking / Digital Media Literacy
Bellingcat – non-profit, independent international collective of researchers, investigators and citizen journalists; undertakes detailed fact-checking.
Full Fact – non-profit organization that checks and corrects facts reported by the media; counters claims circulating on social media.
Google Fact Check Tools – includes Fact Check Explorer and Fact Check Markup Tool to support fact checkers, journalists and researchers.
International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) – initiative of Poynter Institute for Media Studies; supports fact-checkers globally; fights misinformation.
Media Smarts – Canada’s Centre for Digital and Media Literacy; aims to impart critical thinking skills Canadians need to engage with media as informed digital citizens.
Snopes – initiative of the Snopes Media Group; began in 1994 and aims to debunk or confirm widely spread urban legends.
Communications / Media / Journalism
Columbia Journalism Review (CJR) – reports on the news media industry to ensure that high standards of honest and responsible journalism remain bedrock principles.
International Press Institute (IPI) – association of digital, print and broadcast news outlet professionals in almost 100 countries; promotes core values of journalism.
News Media Canada – advocates for the print and digital media industry to governments, regulators and the general Canadian public.
Pew Research Center – nonpartisan, U.S.-based research entity that addresses topical issues, attitudes and trends, including News Habits & Media.
Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism (Oxford University) – explores the future of journalism worldwide through initiatives that can produce better journalism.
PR / Marketing
Canadian Marketing Association (CMA) – supports thought-leadership, PD, consumer protection, commercial success and advocates for the sector.
Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) – organization of PR practitioners that aims to support high professional standards.
Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) – U.K.-based body that advances professional standards and provides best practice and skills guidance.
Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management – covers the world’s major PR and communication management associations and institutions.
International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) – voluntary association whose members are professionals in various business communication disciplines.
Institute of Canadian Agencies (ICA) – founded in 1905; not-for-profit association for Canadian advertising, marketing, media and public relations agencies.
Institute for Public Relations – foundation that fosters more use of research and research-based knowledge in PR and corporate communications.
International Public Relations Association (IPRA) – global network for individual PR professionals; aims to advance trusted communication and ethical practice.
Marketing Terms.com – The Digital Marketing Reference – curated list of definitions, information, sites, articles, tools and other useful resources.
O’Dwyer’s PR News – covers PR and marketing communications from a U.S. perspective; features a monthly topical theme.
PRovoke Media – provides reports and analysis on PR trends and issues; showcases best practices that support and reinforce high professional standards.
Ragan Communications – delivers news, training and PR intelligence to internal and external communicators via PRDaily.com and Ragan.com.
Design / UX / Accessibility
Canada.ca Content and Information Architecture Specification – design system based on core principles for a more useable and better online experience.
Hongkiat – covers broad array of content about design, and technology, including posts that address specific “how to” needs of communications professionals.
Nielsen Norman Group (NN/g) - Articles – research and consulting firm that provides guidance on user experience (UX) and design.
Smashing Magazine – delivers practical articles for web designers and developers that focus on what works or fails in actual projects.
Web Style Guide – Foundations of User Experience Design – essential reference to interface and graphic design for websites by Patrick J. Lynch and Sarah Horton.
W3C Web Accessibility Initiative – offers strategies, graphic and editorial standards, and supporting resources to help make the Web more accessible.
Editorial / Writing / Editing / Research
Abbreviations.com – declares itself the “the world's largest and most comprehensive directory and search engine for acronyms, abbreviations and initialisms."
CEO Express – launched in 1999; filters and organizes content from multiple information sources busy professionals need to find key information and useful tools.
Encyclopedia.com – comprehensive collection of online encyclopedias with reference entries from sources like Oxford University Press and Columbia Encyclopedia.
Guide to Grammar and Style – robust, detailed user-friendly reference from Jack Lynch, distinguished professor of English at Rutgers University, Newark.
Microsoft Writing Style Guide – defines the company’s writing and terminology style for all communications; many of its principles are valid for all writers.
Resources of the Language Portal of Canada – comprehensive group of resources and tools in English and French to improve communications.
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