Know Before You Go!
- To access most of these databases, you must be logged in to the library website.
- Not every search result will be available in PDF.
- If you see "Request through Interlibrary Loan," that means you can ask us to request a copy through another library.
- If you are re-directed into the library catalog, it's something we have in print. Access may be difficult given the current circumstances.
- Look for a filter that will allow you to search for Full Text. This will help limit your search to currently available items!
- Visit our Fleet Search guide to learn more advanced skills.
Databases A-Z
While many students use Fleet Search for most of their scholarly article searches, there are more granular options.
Use our Databases A-Z page to browse all of RISD's subscriptions, which cover articles, books, films, images, and other formats. Below is a list of our largest and most commonly used article databases.
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Academic Search PremierMultidisciplinary articles covering nearly every area of academic study, most from 1970's to present.
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Project MuseProvides scholarly articles to hundreds of humanities, art, and social science journals.
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JSTORAn archive of scholarly articles in PDF form. JSTOR is not a current article database, typically from 1 to 5 years behind most recently published journals. RISD Library normally subscribes to the following collections: Arts & Sciences I, II, III, V, VII, VIII, and XI. For the 2019/20 academic year, we have trial access to the full JSTOR suite, including the new Sustainability package.
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Art and Architecture SourceArticles on fine, decorative and commercial art, architecture and design including HW Wilson’s Art databases.
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MLA International BibliographyArticles covering literature, language and linguistics, folklore, literary theory and criticism, dramatic arts, as well as the historical aspects of printing and publishing.
Can be searched together with Literary Reference Center. -
ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center)Access to journal articles; conference proceedings; technical reports; publications of professional associations, research/policy organizations, government agencies, and more 1966 to present.
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Avery Index to Architectural PeriodicalsArticles from international journals in architecture, design, landscape architecture, city planning, interior design, historic preservation, and decoration. 1934 to present.
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Biodiversity Heritage LibraryThe Biodiversity Heritage Library (BHL) is the world’s largest open access digital library for biodiversity literature and archives.
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Design and Applied Arts Index (DAAI)Articles, news items, and reviews published in design and applied arts journals from 1973 to present.
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Film & Television Literature Index with Full TextArticles covering film and television theory, preservation and restoration, writing, production, cinematography, technical aspects, and reviews.
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GreenFileArticles on human impact on the environment, covering global climate change, green building, pollution, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, recycling, and more.
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USModernist LibraryOpen access PDFs of nearly every major US 20th-century architecture magazine. Full editions, downloadable, and free. No login required.
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Vogue ArchiveA complete searchable archive of American Vogue, from the first issue in 1892 to the current month, reproduced in high-resolution color page images.
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Women's Wear Daily ArchiveA comprehensive archive of Women’s Wear Daily, from the first issue in 1910 to material from within the last twelve months, reproduced in high-resolution images.
JSTOR & ArtSTOR
Many databases are expanding their access to articles and resources to help students and faculty while classes are completely online.
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JSTORAn archive of scholarly articles in PDF form. JSTOR is not a current article database, typically from 1 to 5 years behind most recently published journals. RISD Library normally subscribes to the following collections: Arts & Sciences I, II, III, V, VII, VIII, and XI. For the 2019/20 academic year, we have trial access to the full JSTOR suite, including the new Sustainability package.
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ARTstor2.5 million digital images covering all periods of art, architecture, and archeology including contemporary art & design. Free registration required for downloads.
Additional support for JSTOR: