ARTH 340 - Art Since 1945: Find Background Information

Don't end your research here! Reference sources are too general to be used on their own. But, they are perfect for getting basic information and ideas for in-depth research.

When using a reference source, look for key terms, clues and leads such as:

• Important dates and time periods
• Notable places
• Subjects, characters, stories, symbols, etc.
• Artists, patrons and other people involved
• Info on style, form, function
• Related historical and social factors
• Prominent scholars and suggested articles and books (check bibliographies/references)

Write down these terms as you find them. You can keep a running list as you continue your research.

Be aware a person, place or idea may have more than one name! Remain alert for synonyms and alternative words.

Re-use these terms as keywords when searching the library catalog and databases.