Skip to Main Content

Design Theory: Writing Your Paper

Step 1. Choose a Topic

If you have several ideas for your paper, begin with Credo Reference. Briefly researching those topics before you make a decision will help you understand your topic better.

EBSCO is also a great place to find resources. Articles will cover very specific topics, however, so if you're still unsure what to write about, start with Credo, then move on to EBSCO when you have a general direction for your research.

JSTOR is also an excellent place for articles, but will also provide very specific results--if you don't know what you're looking for, start with CREDO, then move on to EBSCO or JSTOR.

*Be advised, Wikipedia is NOT a reference. Don't use it.

 

Step 2. Do your Research

2. Search for Resources in NYSID Library Catalog

Searching the library catalog will tell you what resources are readily available and can help you decide which topic you want to write about. On the main library page you will see a box with three different search categories to choose from:

BOOKS will offer the most information.  For quick browsing, check the index and bibliographies for your topic (usually located in the back of the book). This page will help you with subject browsing in the library collection (this applies to libraries at NYU, Cooper Union, and Parsons as well).

ARTICLES offer up-to-date research and should be consulted in addition to books. NYSID library keeps three years-worth of periodicals in the library with an additional backlog of periodicals available upon request.  Never researched articles before?  Talk to your library staff.  We're here to help.

EBOOKS: NYSID subscribes to over 100,000 eBooks. These will offer the same extensive amount of information as a physical book--but you can download them to your computer or portable tablet.

Browse NYSID Library's Ebooks in EBSCO, CREDO Reference, and Ebook Central.

TIPS

1. Understand the assignment. 

2. Choose a topic that interests you.

3. Be flexible.

4. Read!

 

Other sources of inspiration

Exhibitions

  • Why not take a look at what the experts are doing?  Look at museum catalogs of past or current exhibits, or reviews of these exhibits: exhibits are curated by scholars who are well-versed in their subjects, and may provide you with an interesting viewpoint that could spark an idea (Palladio and the relationship of his architecture to musical intervals, for example). 

Museums

  • See if your topic--or something related to your topic--is being exhibited in a local museum or library (NYPL's mid-town branch has excellent--and free--exhibits). Usually exhibits have well-researched accompanying text, which may provide you with some inspiration. 

Lectures