Step One: Finding Resources
Where to start!!
Think about the following search strategies we have discussed in class.
• Boolean Operators
- NOT (excludes)
- OR (expands)
- AND (limit/constrict)
• Wild Card Searches
- Use the asterisk (*)
- Ex: Wom*n*
• Stemming
- Use just the stem of the word
- Ex: “psychol” would serve as the stem for psychology, psychologist, psychological, etc.
• Have you thought about the power of browsing the shelves themselves? Here are some Dewey sections you may want to check out:
- The 700's --The Arts
- 920's Biography
• Use the index and table of contents! It can save you a lot of time and energy!
• If you are not getting the results you want try narrowing or broadening your search terms.
Read, Read, Read!
Still having trouble getting started?
Look at the main list of question on "Your Task" tab (main heading of this section). Try asking yourself some of the questions about your artist. Can you answer any of these questions? If not, you may want to start by tracking down some of the answers and see where your search takes you. Sometimes the facts or sources used in a resource can lead you to many others....
Tips and Tricks: You could use some of the ideas from the main list of questions to form search terms for your queries. For example if your artist was Vincent van Gogh and you are looking for his birthday, your search terms could be "Vincent van Gogh birthday" or "Vincent van Gogh AND birthday".
You also may want to start by looking at the big picture (overall art movement) before zeroing into information on your artist.
If you need help--just ask!
Go to next tab labeled Step Two: Evaluating Resources
