Graphic Design

Start with Keywords

All research begins with the language that you use to think about your topic. These are the keywords you use to search in the Library catalog or a research database. Start your search by developing a simple concept map of your topic using keywords.

Here is a sample keyword map to begin research on the history of typography:

 Subject Headings

The keywords you use to describe your topic may not be the same words or in the same order as the subject headings used in the online catalog. For example, when you search keyword "typography" the catalog will retrieve items cataloged with the the subject heading "Printing."

Subject headings are really useful. Always start your search by using keywords of concepts as described in the example above. From the catalog results list, find an item of interest and click on the full record to see the subject headings assigned to that item. Click on the relevant subject heading to retrieve more items in the same category. Be sure to keep track of particular phrases that narrow or broaden your results.

Always remember to ask a Librarian if you need help finding materials for your research.

Here are some useful subject headings in Graphic Art and Design. Click on each term to see catalog results. 

Graphic Arts

Graphic Arts 19th Century

Graphic Arts 20th Century

Graphic Arts 21st Century

Graphic Arts History

Graphic Arts Technique

Commercial Art

Prints -- Technique

Type and Type Founding

Computer Fonts

Graphic Design (Typography)

Textile Design

Communication in Design

Graffiti

Serigraphy

Street art