Research Guides: The Paranormal: Welcome

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Guide to Paranormal and Supernatural Research

Use the resources in this guide to find library resources, such as articles, books, and videos, on topics related to the paranormal and supernatural. Make sure that you pay attention to the search tips and examples provided on each page. They will help make your research more successful. If you are having trouble finding sources for your assignment, ask a librarian for help.

What is The Paranormal?

The term paranormal refers to a group of beliefs and phenomena that are rejected by mainstream science, including such topics as unidentified flying objects, psychic abilities, and ghosts. Many paranormal topics concern ideas that are commonly considered to be in the sphere of religious doctrine, such as miracles, the afterlife, or the existence of spirit entities -- from The SAGE Encyclopedia of the Sociology of Religion.

Library Books about The Paranormal

Paranormal America by Christopher D. Bader; F. Carson Mencken; Joseph O. Baker
Call Number: 130.973 Bad
Publication Date: 2011
An exploration into sustained paranormal curiosities in religion and culture. Paranormal America is an entertaining yet authoritative look at a growing segment of American religious culture.
The Paranormal by Kenneth Partridge (Editor)
Call Number: BF 1031 .P325 2009
Publication Date: 2009
Surveys various supernatural phenomena, from ghosts and extra sensory perception (ESP) to UFOs and cryptozoology, examining whether they have any scientific validity and why people find them so fascinating.
Paranormal Phenomena by Mary E. Williams (Editor)
Call Number: BF 1031 .P334 2003
Publication Date: 2002
This intriguing volume features debates between skeptics and nonskeptics over the existence of ghosts, psychic abilities, reincarnation, and extraterrestrial spacecraft. Scientists, parapsychologists, theologians, and others consider whether research and study of the paranormal is scientifically viable.
Superpower by M. Keith Booker
Call Number: P 94.65 .U6 B66 2010
Publication Date: 2010
Superpower surveys the appearance of supernatural and superhuman elements in American culture, focusing on the American fascination with narratives involving supernatural adventure, superhuman heroes, and vast conspiracies driven by supernatural evil.
Unbelievable by Stacy Horn
Call Number: BF 1028.5 .U6 H67 2009
Publication Date: 2009
A fascinating, eye-opening collection of "Investigations into Ghosts, Poltergeists, Telepathy, and Other Unseen Phenomena, from the Duke Parapsychology Laboratory," Unbelievable by Stacy Horn explores science's remarkable first attempts to prove--or disprove--the existence of the paranormal.

Off-Campus Access

The username and password to access databases from off campus is similar to what you use to access the PCC campus portal (myPittCC) and Moodle. For the username, use the first part of your myPittCC email address only. DO NOT include @my.pittcc.edu. The password is exactly the same as what you use to log in to the campus portal. Generic logins are available to community residents with PCC library cards, and others who are enrolled in or are affiliated with PCC programs and continuing education courses.