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DIGA 101: Digital Arts Fundamentals

This guide will assist students in course assignments for DIGI 101: Digital Arts Fundamental.

Databases for creative arts

You can expand your search for articles by using additional databases, a few of which are listed below:

Databases for World Culture

Sources for Biography and Background information

For your assignments, you will need relevant information on your chosen work of art. The library has several options for you to use.

Consider using encyclopedias and other reference sources when you begin researching a topic. Some encyclopedias will provide more in-depth information than others, but any general encyclopedia is a good source to consult for background information of your chosen subject area. Most encyclopedias provide the following:

  • Main concepts, including names, dates, places
  • Keywords and subject terms related to topic
  • Lists of related articles or additional resources

Database Searching

  1. Start by identifying the major concepts, themes, works, or authors that you want to research. These are your keywords. Only type your keywords into the search box -- don't type in an entire thesis statement or research question. 
  2. Most of the time, you'll either have too many search results to sort through, or too few to choose from. Use the following tips below to expand or limit your search results as needed. These tips typically work in most library databases. Some databases have additional or different tips you can try. When you're in a database, look for a link labeled Help or Search Help for information specific to that database.

searching tips for when you get too many or too few results

When you’ve found one good source, try this:
Subject headings 
Does the database list any subject headings to your source? Click on those links to find more.
Reference List
Browse your source’s reference list or bibliography to find additional sources on the same topic.
Who’s cited this?
Use Google Scholar or Web of Science to find sources that have cited your source since it was published.
Author
Has the same author published additional material on the topic?