Get inspiration, background information, and often a starting bibliography. These encyclopedia articles can help you better interpret the in-depth studies you'll later find.
Keyword search
Keyword searches can be simple -- searching across the full catalog record:
Or complex & field-specific (the "S:" in this example limits the search to the subject fields; the wildcard/truncation character "*" finds word stems):
When searching the library catalog, pay attention to the subject headings assigned to relevant titles. Refining your search using the same subject heading terminology may yield more precise results.
Subject search
We use the Library of Congress' standardized subject headings to describe the content of our collection. Browsing the headings in subject search results can be especially useful for broad or unfamiliar topics. Subject searches also tie in to a cross-referencing system, pointing to alternative or related headings. [Keyword searches don't tie in to these cross-references.]
Expect to spend a lot of time in Baker Stack Annex A [through that door in the picture -- one flight down in the old brick Baker stacks]
In particular, see these call numbers (follow links to run call # search in library catalog):
Stacks guides & Floor plans