VIC199: Thinking with Things
Encyclopedias
Locating Encyclopedias in the Library Catalogue
To find encyclopedias, in print and/or online, you can use the Advanced Search feature of the University of Toronto Library catalogue.
Enter the term Encyclopedia in the first row and select “title” from the dropdown menu. Click the plus sign to add a row. On the second row, enter a keyword related to your topic.
This keyword may have to be broader than your specific object. For example, if your object is the Barcelona chair, try searching for Encyclopedia AND Furniture or Encyclopedia AND Design, in addition to Encyclopedia AND Chairs. Select “title” from the drop down menu on the second row.
This can be a trial-and-error process. Note also that the relevant entry in the encyclopedia may be the name of the creator/designer/inventor of your object rather than the name of the object itself.
Another example: if your object is the Underwood Typewriter, consider broader terms such as innovation or inventions or technology.
Examples of Relevant Encyclopedias
Below is very selective sample of encyclopedias, just to give you an idea of what is available.
- The Design Encyclopedia
- Gadgets and Necessities: An Encyclopedia of Household Innovations (also available online)
- The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Victoriana: A Comprehensive Guide to the Designs, Customs, and Inventions of the Victorian Era
- Instruments of Science: An Historical Encyclopedia.
created by: Colin Deinhardt | updated: 3 March 2020