Orientation to Design Research: Advanced Resources
This advanced orientation is intended to give graduate students more tools to use in library research. It covers databases and resources design graduate students may find useful. You should have either done the basic orientation first or be familiar with the databases discussed in it.
The NC State University Libraries has many more resources and services available than are listed here. If you have any questions or problems, or need more help with your research, please don’t hesitate to contact Karen DeWitt, the Design Library staff, or the Ask Us service.
About Scholarly Resources
Before you start research, learn about peer review and literature reviews from these resources.
Peer Review Video
What is a Literature Review?
Literature Review Video
General Databases
These general databases include vast amounts of information. If you are doing a literature review, or having trouble finding information in other places, these are the databases to consult.
WorldCat
WorldCat is a combined online catalog with records for almost all the libraries in the country, and many other libraries in other countries. It has over 500 million records in the database, representing 3 billion items in libraries worldwide. You can request items from WorldCat be sent to the Design Library for you to use.
How to use the WorldCat database (video)
Access database
Web of Science
Web of Science has multidisciplinary coverage of over 10,000 high-impact journals in the sciences, social sciences, and arts and humanities, as well as international proceedings coverage for over 120,000 conferences.
How to use the Web of Science database (video)
Access database
Dissertations & Theses, full text
Dissertations & Theses includes 2.7 million searchable citations to dissertation and theses from around the world from 1861 to the present day together with 1.2 million full text dissertations that are available for download in PDF format. Over 2.1 million titles are available for purchase as printed copies. The database offers full text for most of the dissertations added since 1997 and strong retrospective full text coverage for older graduate works
How to use the Dissertations and Theses database (video)
Access database
Ulrichsweb
Ulrichsweb is not an article database; it can help you find out about different journal titles. It provides bibliographic and access information serials published throughout the world, covering all subjects. It includes information such as website, editorial contacts, and indexing information.
How to use the Ulrichsweb database (video)
Access database
Additional Design Subject Databases
These specialized resources can help with specific challenges in finding information; sustainable, historic, or case studies.
BuildingGreen
BuildingGreen helps building-industry professionals design and build construction projects that minimize ecological impact and maximize economic performance. It includes access to BuildingGreen report (formerly Environmental building news) articles, lists for GreenSpec products and specification guidelines, and detailed project case studies of high-performance buildings.
How to use the BuildingGreen database (video)
Access database
Sanborn Maps
Sanborn maps are historic fire insurance maps detailing city blocks, with building footprints and building information. The database includes more than 660,000 Sanborn maps charting the growth and development of more than 12,000 American towns and cities.
ULI Case Studies
Urban Land Institute (ULI) Case Studies showcase innovative approaches and best practices in real estate and urban development. Includes photos, site plans, floor plans, project data, a report on the development process and more.
How to use the ULI Case Studes database (video)
Access the database
Citation Management
The Libraries has resources for various citation management systems.
Zotero and Mendeley are both free options:
Zotero - how to use Zotero
Mendeley - how to use Mendeley
Additional Library Resources
Patents and Trademarks
GIS
Data and Visualization
Design Library Guide
The Design Library Guide is a quick guide to resources Design students may need.