This is a brief introduction to strategic searching techniques for learning more about graphic design. You'll find some additional tips and tricks that we use at the libraries to search for materials, and you are invited to send us any additional advice on our feedback page located at the end of this guide.
If you haven't already, take a moment now to jot down some notes on who else, besides you, is interested in this topic. Who's invested in this information? Who and what is effected by that? What does it mean for you to be the one accessing these resources? What will you be doing with the end-products of your research? Consider these guiding questions to generate keywords, and evaluate the authority and relevance of the resources you come across. Remember that in doing research you are joining a conversation between all manners of peoples, and you too are bringing a lot with you into the space.
For more on how to get started and stay organized in your search, see the resources below:
Subject headings are used by library catalogers in order to group together different materials about the same topic within the library's catalog. As a researcher, this is another great tool to help you best navigate the library's catalog and discover more resources. To find these look at the right-hand column after you've performed your initial search. Under "topic" you will find similar topics that will bring you to new searches. Below are a few subject heading examples for you to explore.