Introduction to the history of American interiors
Fall 2006
Locating Monographs:
To identify books that are available, start by checking Drew Library’s catalog (http://catalog.drew.edu). Doing a keyword search for “interior design” or “furniture” will help you identify the specific subject headings you should use within library catalogs in general. Follow up on any cross-referenced subject headings.
Other databases to check include:
The combined holdings of some 20,000 libraries. Because it is such a large database, find
the terms you want to search in the Drew Catalog first. |
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New York Public Research Library’s catalog, including the
holdings of the Art and Architecture Division (http://catnyp.nypl.org/ ) |
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Local public library catalogs |
Select a library that’s strong in local history, such as
Morristown/Morris Township Library – but be aware
that they may have material in their local history section that does not show
up in the catalog. (http://web2.morris.org/
) |
Locating Journal Articles:
To find journal articles on your topic, consult the following indexes to historical or technical literature (if no call number is provided, the index is available at the “Research Resources page):
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Per Rom 702.805 A784a |
Art and Archaeology Technical Abstracts: Consult the “Subject Index” in the back of each volume, and look up the entry number in the front. |
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Bibliography of the History of Art: Indexes publications in art history.
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Avery Index to Architectural Periodicals: This index is the most specialized for the
field. Drew does not own or have
access to it. It is available at |
Locating Images:
Use the Drew Catalog or WorldCat
to locate books on art, containing paintings that might include interiors. A keyword search for painting and 18th and ‘
Also consult Grove Dictionary of Art, which provides access to electronic images, both of works of art, and furniture. Online at “Research Resources”. "Art Resource" and Bridgeman, both in Grove, contain multiple images of household furnishings. Bridgeman permits you to narrow your search by century. Google Images can also be productive
Special Collections and Materials:
A host of other material, including local historical maps, microfilm images of census enumerations, and church records, can be housed in special collections or archives within libraries, and often not included in the library’s catalog. Some suggestions: