Research Guidelines

Begin with the course syllabus: check the lecture topic for the artist or theme you are researching and refer to any books or articles listed under 'Recommended Reading.' (The syllabus may indicate which readings are on reserve, and whether at Shields or the Art Library)

Look at the class web page: click on 'Links' for web sites devoted to individual artists.

Look for electronic databases, books or journals on your subject on the web in the Harvest Catalog (UC Davis' online catalog) or The MELVYL¨ SYSTEM catalog (the UC System online catalog). Start early so that, if necessary, books can be ordered at Shields Library through Inter Library Loan. You can access journal databases (on campus only) through the Harvest or Melvyl web page, such as: ArtAbstracts.

For contemporary artists, visit the Humanities and Social Science Reference area on the second floor of Shields Library where you can access Art Bibliographies Modern on a terminal.

As you find and evaluate references, check associated bibliographies and endnotes for other sources that might be useful.

Look your topic up in the Grove Dictionary of Art (on campus use only). Grove Dictionary of Art.

Look at the electronic resources listed on the Shields Art History Resources site.

Consult a style guide for paper mechanics, such as bibliographical and endnote format. Shields Library has a General Reference Source page with several style guides to refer to.

Use "spell check," but read your draft carefully for errors. Check Webster's on-line at http://Merriam-Webster.com

Write a draft of your paper and get help from The Learning Skills Center.

Consult with your professor and/or your T.A. during posted office hours.

 

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