ARTH 301: Methods of Art History (Fall 2007/Spring 2008)

This page will help you get started with your research.  Remember to start early, since it can take some time to request materials from other libraries.

Research Guide

Download the class handout (PDF) if you didn't get a copy.

Finding Images

See Linda Reynolds' Image Guide (PDF) for detailed info, or visit the Visual Resource Center.

Books

Start with a search in FRANCIS, then explore holdings at other libraries.  Don't forget to check The Clark too.

Articles

You should begin your search in our Art Article Databases.  Each database has its own focus and strengths, so search in several to get a complete picture of the literature on your topic.  Don't stick to one set of keywords, instead try to imagine all the different ways that articles on your topic might be described.

Since art historical methods touch on many other topics, including social history, gender, and sexuality, it is important to consider other subject databases that might be useful.

Look for the find text button in our article databases to link their citations to the full text, a paper copy in FRANCIS, or an InterLibrary Loan request.  If there isn't a find text button you can make your own with our citation linker.

Other Resources

Before going to Wikipedia, try the reference section.  We have some terrific reference sources on paper and online, including the Grove Dictionary of Art.

For background on a particular artist, try some of our biographical resources.

Citations

One of the challenges in doing research is keeping your citations in order.  If you're contemplating writing a thesis, it might be a good idea to become familiar with one of our citation tools such as RefWorks or EndNote.  While they take some effort to master, once you become proficient they can save you hours of time in formatting citations and bibliographies.

Further Assistance

Reference librarians are available to help you with your research. Contact Nick Baker in Sawyer or Karen Bucky at The Clark for a research appointment.  Or, just drop by the Research Help Desk in Sawyer Library or The Clark for on-the-spot help.