How to do research in Museum Studies
Library Resources for researchers working in museology and related topic areas.
START WITH GOOD KEYWORDS
Topic-specific keywords will help improve your results in a general multidisciplinary database like Google, Google Scholar, HOLLIS, or Academic Search Premier.
Add keywords like these to your search:
- Broader subject - museum management, art objects, collections, user research
- Narrower focus - repatriation, fundraising, exhibits, social media
- Names of people, movements, historical periods, or objects - George Grosz, Impressionism, Enlightenment, Shelburne museum, Little Dancer
UPGRADE YOUR SEARCH: KEY DATABASES
The best tool for your project may be a specialized search engine, also known as a database. These databases are subject-specific or format-specific search tools:
Social Sciences Premium Collection (via HarvardKey) will search various disciplines in the social sciences, for museum studies topics within education, anthropology, sociology, and more.
Business Premium Collection (via HarvardKey) is one of the best databases for business related topics, including management, marketing, economics, and more.
Dig Deeper
The MUSE E-102 Research Guide provides a helpful overview of library research for museum studies, including how to find books near you, a list of museum organizations, and recommended databases for specific topics within museum studies.
CONNECT WITH US
Mary Frances Angelini and Jonathan Paulo, library liaisons for Harvard Extension School, are available to support researchers through Zoom consultations or email.
Featured collection
Museums at Harvard highlights the variety of museums at Harvard University.
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