Theatre 100: Theatre Appreciation

Use the guidance learned on the Search Tips tab to create quality searches. Use the resources provided on the Find Books, Find Articles, etc. tabs to run your searches. These searches are based on a costume design prompt, but the tips apply to all topics.

Example. It's 1976. Your character is a lawyer blowing off steam at an upscale disco in New York City.

First let's use the Advanced Search in Research@UWW to look for an illustrated book of 1970s fashion. Start local by searching for books and videos UW-Whitewater has, so select "Books, Media & more (UW Whitewater)" from the menu. You can change to search all the UW system libraries later if you want. 

It might take several searches to find what you want, so keep trying. You can always ask a librarian for help when needed.

Search one goal: Find illustrated books on 1970s fashion

• Line 1: fashion
• Line 2: 1970s
• Line 3: ill*

When you run this search you will find about 12 items. I found a promising book, however, we want to find more books and see if there are better choices. Look at titles, abstracts, and subjects for more key terms you could search with.

Three more sample searches adding a choice of terms with "OR" so at least one will be included.

Search two goal: Focus on illustrated books about fashion for disco/club dancing in the 1970s or 20th century.

• Line 1: fashion OR clothing OR dress OR costume OR couture
• Line 2: 1970s OR seventies OR "20th century" OR "twentieth century"
• Line 3: ill*

Search three goal: Focus illustrated books about disco/club dance clothing.

• Line 1: disco OR discotheque OR clubbing OR "dance club"
• Line 2: ill*

Search four goal: Focus more broadly on books about 1970s culture, but limit by location. Might also help find information for the setting.

• Line 1: "popular culture"
• Line 2: 1970s OR seventies
• Line 3: "united states" OR "new york" OR nyc