the Research Process

Fleet Library @ RISD

Why think about the Research Process?

• Research is integral to the creative process

• Visual and written research include these stages: brainstorming & mapping, searching & discovering, evaluating, developing, seeking feedback, reviewing & critiquing, refining & reflecting

• The research process can provide structure, inspiration, and depth to your studio and written work

• Whether for a visual or written assigment, research develops one’s critical thinking

choosetopic

brainstorm

formulatethesis

gathersources

evaluatesources

review& revise

final revision

cite sources

Day 1 Day 5 Day 12Day 8

Recording the Research Process

Research can be recorded as a timeline,

Recording the Research Process

as a list of numbered steps,

source: www.lib.umn.edu/help/calculator/

Recording the Research Process

or as a visual diagram

Envision research beginning like a stone being dropped into still water

IDEA

• the research process begins with your initial thought or idea• develop your idea by brainstorming words, names, imagery• sketch or visually map the various aspects of your idea• formulate questions• create lists of synonyms and related topics• add broader or narrower terms

Reference sources

Investigate your topic by using Reference sources

• use print & online encyclopedias, dictionaries, indexes, & thesauri• use RISD Online Reference sources • go to RISD Library’s website: library.risd.edu > Resources > Reference• find an overview of your topic which places it in its larger cultural context• write down terminology, dates and place names related to your topic • identify the people associated with your topic

• view the concept mapping tutorial - make a concept map of your topiclibrary.risd.edu > Resources > Tutorials

• contact a RISD Art Librarian to help you locate reliable Reference sources on your topic and to get help with the research process

• Contact librarians at: library.risd.edu > Departments > Reference

Write a thesis statement

• review your notes• create a statement that clearly defines and describes your topic• check in with your instructor about your thesis statement

Thesis statement

Search the RISD/Athenaeum catalog • go to the RISD Library website: library.risd.edu • use the catalog search box at the top of the screen or • go to RISD/ATH Catalog on the QUICK LINKS

Search the RISD/Athenaeum catalog • search by keyword, title, author, subject• Truncate words with an asterisk * to search variant forms of the term and to get more search results example: paint*= searches for paint, paints, painted, painter, painting

• once an initial search has been done in the RISD/ATH catalog, use the SEARCH BROWN button to repeat the search in Brown’s catalog.

RISD / ATH catalog

Search for Articles

• go to RISD Library’s website: library.risd.edu > Resources > Articles• read the database descriptions - select databases related to your topic• ask your instructor or a librarian to recommend databases to search• limit search results by a date range or to scholarly journals

• search multiple databases - not just one• make a list of the keywords, synonyms, and subject headings that describe your topic• use the article’s subject heading hypertext links to find related articles• search E-Journals for full text journals by title: Resources > E-Journals

Article databases

Search for Articles - 24/7 Off Campus Access

• start at library.risd.edu > Resources > Articles• select databases related to your topic• a login window will open• type in your first or last name as it appears on the FRONT of your RISD ID• type in the 14-digit Barcode number on the BACK of your RISD ID• It starts with 3444400…• if your login doesn’t work, contact the Library for help, 709-5901

Images & multimedia

• RISD Online Image Resources library.risd.edu > Resources > Images• visit the Picture Collection & Materials Library, RISD Library, 2nd floor• search for dvds in the catalog by adding the keyword dvd or • modify a keyword search to the Location RISD MEDIA

Search for Images & Multimedia

Search Area Libraries for Resources

Brown Univ. Libraries

Providence Public Libraries

HELIN Libraries

Athenaeum Library

the RISD Library Community

• Athenaeum Library www.providenceathenaeum.orgRISD Library & the Athenaeum share an online library catalog. The Athenauem is located across the intersection from the College Building on Benefit Street. RISD students can check out 5 books for 4 weeks.Renew online at My Record

• Brown University Libraries library.brown.eduCHiL (College Hill Library Consortium)Search Brown’s catalog from the RISD/ATH catalog by using the SEARCH BROWN button. Borrowing privileges and on-site database access for all RISD students. Register first at RISD then at Brown’s Rockefeller Library.

Check out 5 books for 4 weeks. Renew online at My Josiah

• HELIN Libraries library.uri.eduConsortium of 11 academic and 14 health sciences libraries which share an online catalog. On site access to the libraries but no borrowing privileges.

• Providence Public Libraries www.provlib.org Providence Community Libraries www.provcomlib.orgAccess and borrowing privileges upon registration.

Search other online catalogs & websites

google books

worldcat.org

google scholar

google patents

museum websites

digital collectionsgovernment websites

Request items through Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

ILL - Interlibrary loan

• ILL requests take 1-2 weeks to arrive - plan ahead• online forms: library.risd.edu > Services > Interlibrary Loan

RISD Library can request books & articles that are not available locally from reciprocal lending libraries via the ILL Service

Review and evaluate all your sources

Evaluate sources

Evaluate the sources you have gathered using the following criteria: Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose

Evaluating Print & Online Resources

• Currency: the timeliness of the information

• Relevance: the importance of the information for your needs

• Authority: the source and authorship of the information

• Accuracy: the reliability and correctness of the information

• Purpose: the reason the information exists

source: www.csuchico.edu/lins/handouts/evalsites.html

Cite sources

Citing Sources Used

• select a citation style and use it consistently• Not sure what needs citing? View the plagiarism tutorial: library.risd.edu > Resources > Tutorials

Review & repeat the research process

• review the process; if needed, repeat steps in the process• allow time to reflect upon & refine your work

Review & revise

Working with a Librarian - a snapshot

• listen - as you discuss your class assignments and studio projects

• translate - your art & design ideas or questions into effective ways to think about, search for, and locate information

• bridge - any gaps between your subject domain and using library resources - the librarian's domain of expertise

• filter - offer ways to think critically about the information you encounter

RISD Library Reference Desk - Library 1st floor, 709-5902, risdlib@risd.edu library.risd.edu > Departments > Reference

WORK SMART - Ask a Librarian for help

finis

ellen petraits