Guide Sections

Ask Us!

Not sure what you're looking for?  

• Stop by  
• Email us and we can help you find books and articles

You're also welcome to  

• Browse in the reading room
• Browse the New Books shelf to your left as you enter the library
• Request books from the catalog at the front desk. 

Librarians you can contact by email or stop by to speak with: 

Kate Joranson: k.joranson@pitt.edu

Kiana Jones: krg51@pitt.edu

A library guide created to assist Studio Arts students at Pitt with materials and process research.

Search Techniques

Write a list of search terms

• Before you begin searching create lists of keywords that describe your topic.
• Use a thesaurus to stimulate your word choice and to generate synonyms for the concept. 

Use Subject Headings

Refine your search in PITTCat+

• Refining your search to the Frick Fine Arts Library Location can be helpful if you want to make sure an item is located in this library.

Document your search

• Once you begin searching, document what is returned by your first query.  Scan the summaries of these results for related terms that will help you refine your keywords. 

Can't Find It?

You can request material through PittCat using Get It, even for material that we do not own. You must be signed in and then click on the item you need. Options within the item:

If you have any questions about this, please contact us so we can work with you to try and get the material you need.