Library Catalog | Periodical Indexes | Web Resources | Evaluation of Web Pages
The library's catalog is always a good place to start! Look here for books in our collection, titles of periodicals, reference works, and audio/visual materials.
Step one: Keyword Searching
Helps you get a rough idea of what's out there. You need to pay
attention to other keywords that you might not have thought about
initially.
Use Boolean operators to help you refine your search...
e.g. (theatre* or theater* or play*) and review*
Step two: Subject Heading search
Once you've done your initial keyword searching, take a look at the full record
for items which sound like they might be right on your topic. Look at the
"Subjects" section. You may click on one of the relevant Subject Headings
to perform a more precise search on your topic.
Step three: Tracking items down
Take note of the call number for the items you've found...either
print or jot it down. Also note the "Status" section.
This will tell you if the item is available or when it is due to
be back in the library.
The periodical indexes will lead you to articles or reviews written about your subject in various magazines, journals or other periodical publications.
Once you've found an article citation you'll need to check the Geisler Journal List to see if Geisler Library subscribes to the journal, magazine or newspaper or if we have electronic access to the journal in which your article will be found. If we own the publication, track it down alphabetically on the periodical shelves. (Remember the most recent months will be found on the Current Shelves or in the Reading Room.)
If we don't subscribe to the publication you need, we can get the article for you via a free service called Inter-Library Loan (ILL). You need to get a form from the reference or circulation desk, fill it out as completely as possible, and then turn it in again at the reference desk. Normally it takes a week to two weeks to get items ordered through ILL.
EBSCOHost (Online)
Academic Search Premier is a general, all-purpose database. Use the Advanced
screen to perform your search. If you have trouble printing from EBSCOHost please ask for assistance.
MLA International Bibliography is an excellent source, particularly for
reviews of foreign theater.
OCLC FirstSearch
(Online)
A variety of databases are offered here.
Print indexes
Humanities Index (Print)
Education Index (Print)
Art Index (Print)
Essay and General Literature Index
(Print)
New York Times Index (Print or
EBSCO Academic Search Premier)
*A VERY GOOD SOURCE FOR REVIEWS!!!
A general "jumping off point" can be found on the Research Guides by Subject --> Theatre. (http://www.central.edu/library/theatre.htm).
Search Engines or Directories: follow this link for a selection of web search engines, directories, and metasearch engines.
The New York Times: (Theater)
http://www.nyt.com/
Aisle Say: The Internet magazine of stage reviews and opinions
Playbill: Broadway, Off-Broadway, London News, Listings and Tickets
Punch In
http://punchin.com/broadway/
Website divided up into categories such as Current Broadway,
Current Off Broadway, Historic-Archived Reviews. Not very well
maintained. Archives can be searched alphabetically, but
otherwise no real searching capabilities.
OOBR: The off-off Broadway Review
http://www.oobr.com/
A couple examples of reviews I found:
Please note that you will need to use critical thinking skills to evaluate what you find both in print, and on the Internet.
Some things to look for:
Library Classes page
Library Home Page
Created: April 20, 1999 clc
Revised: April 06, 2006 ls