Researching for your studies
At Norwich University of the Arts Library, we are here to help you to become independent and innovative researchers, whether you are an Undergraduate student, working towards your Masters, or writing your PhD.
Research will enable to you to develop new ideas and understandings. Through analysis of the work and creations of others, alongside discussion and debate amongst your peers, you will build your understanding of the wider artistic community, and this will help to develop and shape your own practice.
Researching in the library
To find more items search Discovery, the library catalogue. Useful keywords might be: Research AND (your subject), or “research methodology”, research AND artist, “qualitative research”, “quantitative research”.
Current PhD students also have a course guide which includes a research focused reading list.
If you need a reminder on how to use the Library catalogue check out the bitesize tutorials below, or contact us at library@norwichuni.ac.uk for one to one support with a Librarian.
Researching beyond books
Alongside books, as an independent learner, you are encouraged to explore other sources.
You may wish to start with the Library’s print and online journal collection (opens in a new window), which showcases subject specific publications that cover contemporary and up to date activity, plus feature new and young designers and artists.
Our online resource databases contain text based resources alongside televisual, sound, and image banks. All of which can contribute to the depth of your research.
You may also want to explore sources outside of the library. Our alternative information sources (opens in a new window) page highlights podcasts, TED talks, and YouTube channels that may form a good springboard.
Research community
Research repository
A repository of over 25 years of staff and student research.
VC talks
The University has launched a series of VC talks, envisioned to curate a culture of critical creativity and inspire robust debate within the University community. Information about upcoming talks and past talks are available on the VC talks (opens in a new window) page.
Current research within the University
More information about research at Norwich University of the Arts can be found on our research pages(opens in a new window).
Finding Theses
EThOS
The British Library’s thesis repository, EThOS (E-Theses Online Service), which has been down since it was hacked in 2023, now has an interim service, this is what they say:
All theses in EThOS prior to October 2023 can be searched on the British Library catalogue.
Filter your search in the catalogue by using the ‘Advanced search’ and filtering ‘Material type’ to ‘Theses’.
This will show you the name of the awarding university. You can then search the university’s institutional repository or library catalogue for the thesis.
Open DOAR
If the university in which a thesis is held is known, then the global Directory of Open Access Repositories ‘Open DOAR’ is a really useful tool which will find a university’s research repository.
Type in the name of the university to be linked to its repository, then search this repository for the thesis you require.
Using AI in your research
AI is becoming more prominent in research as well as the wider world. With this in mind, the University has put together guidance on how and when you can use AI to assist with your written research (this link opens in a new window) and your studio work (this link opens in a new window).
Student Support have put together a list of tools (this link opens in a new window) you may find helpful when reading, writing, and managing your notes.
Information on how to reference AI generated content can be found on the library website (this link opens in a new window).
If you have any questions about the use of AI in your work, written or creative, please speak with your academic tutor or your supervisor.
Displaying your research
At Norwich University of the Arts we have the motto “we work everywhere”, and this includes the Library. If you have some research that you would like to display in the Library please email us at library@norwichuni.ac.uk. You can display your work in the Special Collection vitrines or in the Library space itself, just pop in and ask us and we’ll help you find a suitable spot.
Questions?
If you have any questions or just want a hand finding information to help with your research, contact your librarian: library@norwichuni.ac.uk