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Searching the library collection

Try some of the example searches below. These searches are broad enough to allow you to find and explore a wide range of resources.

Search Tip: Try limiting your results by Subject, Format or Date, to find those publications most relevant to your needs. For example, you could limit to Format: Journal Article or Book.

Searching for specific authors/artists

Works by and about specific authors/theorists

To find publications by and about individuals search on their name. You may find more resources if you search both firstname lastname and lastname, firstname. Some examples include:

If the author has a relatively unique name you could just use this, e.g. derrida

To only find works by specific authors/theorists use the 'Author' option from the drop-down menu under 'Search':

JSTOR: a key database for art history and theory

Looking for articles written in the 1950s? 1940s? 1980s? 1880s? Use JSTOR for easy access to online full text of articles from core scholarly journals in disciplines including art and art history, philosophy and sociology.

Some of the journals covered by JSTOR include: Art Journal, Design Issues, Leonardo, Philosophy and Phenomenological Research and The Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism.


For the most recent years (e.g. last five years) you may need to use another source, such as Art & Architecture Complete

Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

Access this freely available encyclopedia authored by experts in the field. While the content is selective, there may be articles of interest. Extensive bibliographies provide guidance for further reading. Example entries include:

Key scholarly art reference - Oxford Art Online

Grove Art Online

Oxford Art Online offers access to the most authoritative, inclusive, and easily searchable online art resources available today. Access Definitions, overviews, images: access reliable information on artists, styles, periods, theory and more.