Object Research: Research Tools

Depending on the object you are researching, the resources you'll use will vary. After you have completed the discovery phase of your research, you will have ideas about the cultural significance of your artifact. Use your research notebook and the Object Discovery Worksheet on the "Discovery" tab or one provided by your professor to decide what you want to research. Generally, you will be doing separate searches in the library catalog and databases relating to a variety of issues. 

To locate databases to search, visit the "research guides" section linked from the library's homepage and choose from the subject areas (history, sociology, religion, art history, etc) to find relevant databases. This is an excellent stage to consult the History of Art and Architecture Liaison Librarian, Alexis Burson for advice on your research. She can suggest databases and help you formulate search terms to find relevant books and articles related to your object.

Take the major concepts from your Object Research Discovery Worksheet (found under the Discovery tab) to use a search terms in the library catalog, databases or reputable online sources. If you're not finding relevant resources, consider developing related terms for each concept.  The Developing a Search Strategy worksheet below will help you guide you through this technique.