First...
... start with what you know and use that to identify keywords and to clarify concepts. Keep track of all of your research - write it all down.
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Concept Mapping Software/ProgramsThere are many programs listed here. You can also use pen(cil) and paper. It works like a charm.
Suggest a Purchase
Connect...
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... from off campus.Options to connect to MIT resources from off campus.
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... from other campuses.Secure WiFi access from educational and research institutions around the world.
Databases
General
Look at databases listed in related subject guides for additional and more specific resources.
- Avery Index (Primary index for architecture journals)
- Dissertations and Theses
- DSpace at MIT
- JStor
- Web of Science (great for ranking articles by citations)
Sustainable Design
- Building Green Suite
- GreenSpec Database of Green Building Products (part of Building Green Suite)
- High Performance Buildings Database (part of Building Green Suite)
Google Scholar
Google Scholar can be a great place to search full-text papers, articles, and dissertations. Try the Search Tips and read about Scholar's coverage.
To take advantage of Google search, visit Inside Search Help.
Image resources at MIT
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Dome at MITDigital repository for collections from the MIT Libraries, including Rotch Visual Collections and the Institute Archives. See Using DOME Handout available on this page
Dissertations
Dissertations are gold mines. They contain original research and can lead you to understand problems or the field you are exploring, key figures in the field, research the dissertation built upon, and more difficult-to-find sources that their authors have tracked down.
You might want to start with MIT dissertations and theses through Dspace in case related research on your topic was done by MIT alumni. An additional resource to search is the Proquest's Dissertation and Theses Global database. Don't forget to mine the footnotes and bibliographies for related and valuable primary and secondary source leads.
Architecture and Planning Librarian
More ways to get help
Ask Us
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Keeping up with research
RSS, email, & table of contents alerts
Find new journal articles about your research topic!
There are a number of services via email and RSS for accessing tables of contents of new journal issues and research alerts (results of literature searches you construct, run periodically).
This site will provide links to these services, as well as an explanation of what RSS is and how it works.