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FLEET LIBRARY | Research Guides

Rhode Island School of Design

RISD Master's Thesis: Research Assistance

A resource guide for thesis research and writing assistance, locating theses in the library, and thesis binding options

View your reading history

Login to your library account by selecting My Account. Type in your first name and the 14-digit barcode number on the back of your ID.

Select  My Reading History

Use the reading history to keep track of what you read when; use the export feature to email, print or download (txt file) your reading list.

Meet with an art librarian

Guided Research: meeting with a RISD Art Librarian

Art librarians are available to work with you to research your thesis ideas. Make an appointment at the RISD Library Research Help Desk - either in person, by email or phone. A meeting with a librarian usually last 20-30 minutes. You are always welcome to make follow-up appointments.

The art librarian will begin by asking some questions to get a sense of where you are in the research process and what approach you are taking to your topic. It’s useful to bring any beginning writing, outlines or concept maps you've made to this meeting. Often early documents and sketches contain the themes that are central to your thesis and are a good way to begin the conversation.

Librarians will recommend databases to search and can discuss strategies for creating a research plan. They facilitate in-depth searching for local resources as well as borrowing materials owned by other institutions. They can help you identify significant writers in your area of inquiry, locate primary sources, bibliographies, image sources, websites, and digital collections. They can help you track down the source of a quote or an elusive exhibition catalogue. They answer questions you may have about your library record and write letters of introduction to research centers when your inquiry points you further afield.