EN 1221: Introduction to Drama

S. Vick

Off campus?

Set up proxy to gain access to library databases off campus.

Web Searching

Evaluate...

Evaluating Web Resources Checklist (PDF)

According to a study at Stanford, nearly half of all web site evaluators (46.1%) used visual cues, to assess a site's credibility. Move beyond what a site looks like...

Authority
Scope
Currency
Accuracy

Searching the web can be a great starting place to help find keywords for searching library databases.

Search engines | WikiPedia vs. Encyclopedia Britannica
A Brief Guide to Internet Resources in the Theatre and Performance Studies
Dramaturgical Research - Collins Library University of Puget Sound - facets to explore pre-production to assure that you have researched all aspects
Justin's Drama and Theatre Links
International Theatre Resources from Artslynx

Finding Articles on your Topic: Getting Started

First, understand different types of periodical literature by reviewing SearchPath: Starting Smart
Scholarly Journals, Popular Magazines, Trade Journals and Newspapers: What's the Difference?

Check Oxford Reference Online for background information or terminology as it contains Oxford Companion to American Theatre and Concise Oxford Companion to the Theatre.

Start your newspaper article search with:

LexisNexis Academic. General news database. Search tips:
- Use GUIDED search tab to refine
- Adapt atleast3(Sea Gull) example to find multiple occurences of a term or phrase within an article.
- Adapt Dumb Waiter w/5 Pinter to find terms/phrase in proximity

Start your magazine/journal article search with:

Thomson PowerSearch. Multidisiplinary database with coverage on all topics ranging from popular music to science to literature. Search tips:
- Check refereed to limit to scholarly publications
MLA International Bibliography. Indexes books, essay collections and bibliographies 1963+ on literature including drama. Search tips:
- Search for author and/or title of work as Descriptor
- Not full text so use Journals list and/or Interlibrary to obtain item(s)

During the research process...

Keep list of useful keywords and add as you find more

Follow up on relevant authors, researchers, experts

Follow up on bibliography/reference lists at the end of articles

Follow up on journals titles that seem relevant such as American Theatre, TCI, and Theatre Journal.

Only Finding a Citation? Getting the Full Text

Is the journal online or here in the library? Search our Journals, Magazines, & Newspapers
Visit another library: Search WorldCat to find one
Request delivery from another library: Interlibrary Loan.

Additional Databases & Electronic Resources to Explore

Finding Books at WPI and Beyond

Use library catalogs to identify books on a topic. Tip: Use subject headings found in records expand your search

WPI's Gordon Library Catalog. Find books and other non-article materials the library provides access to on your topic.
Possible subject headings to use:
- Acting
- Theatre Production and Design
- Costume Design
- Stage Setting and Scenery
- Stage Lighting
- Stage management
- Stage props
- Stage Lighting
- Stage Machinery
Beyond WPI: WorldCat. Includes the holdings of 1000s of libraries. Use to identify materials at local ARC (Academic Research & Libraries in Worcester)
Obtaining books/articles from other libraries:
1. Visit the local library (get Access/Borrowers Card at Circulation Desk first)
2. Request item through Interlibrary Loan and we will borrow it for you (could take a week or two).

Give Credit! Cite Your Sources

Questions?

Stop by the reference desk or set up a research consultation.

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Last modified: Aug 06, 2007, 09:32 EDT