Art and Art History

The library's book collection is a particularly good place to find art-related information. Many books also contain images of art pieces, as well as information about the artist, technique, etc. The library has many ebooks, as well as print books.

Use OneSearch to search for a specific piece of art, an artist, or a style of art. After you search, use the limits on the left side to narrow your search to books, under Resource Type.

Library databases each contain and search different resources and are more focused than OneSearch. Use these databases to find sources for your assignments. Not sure which one to use? Ask a librarian and we'll be happy to help you choose the right one!

Use these tips to find articles and information about art or art history:

•  Be creative as you search
  • Try searching a different database or journal. Each one contains different articles.
  • Search for the artist's name or the title of one of their works.
• Add context by searching any of these with an artist's name or the title of a piece
  • Time period, e.g., 1960s, Baroque, etc. 
  • The artist's other works
  • Artistic elements or techniques, i.g. oil painting, mixed media, etc.
  • Explore themes in the work you're researching, e.g. identity, mythology, etc.

Examples:

• Looking for scholarly sources on Frida Kahlo? Try searching her name in OneSearch, then refine to 'Peer-Reviewed Journals' 
• Exploring Surrealism in the 1920s? Try searching Surrealism AND 1920s or Surrealist movement AND art history in OneSearch or one of the databases