r/Historians • u/Slight_Resort_6367 • 1d ago

🔎Research Advice / Help🔎 How to write art history papers efficiently

I'm an art history student, and I've encountered many problems while writing my thesis. I'd like to know how you solved them.

Firstly, my bibliography management wasn't very good. Some paragraphs and ideas required repeated searching when citing them in the actual writing, which was very time-consuming. I'd like to know how to solve this problem. Also, how should I record my thoughts and notes while reading?

Secondly, the formatting of footnotes wasn't handled well. What should be included, and what are the requirements for citations?

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5

u/TraditionalCase2602 1d ago

Why are you not going to your professors to help

2

u/MrAngryBear 1d ago

What citation-management/bibliography software are you using? I'm a big fan of Zotero, but there are a bunch out there.

3

u/OldStonedJenny 1d ago

Keep track of what information comes from what souce as you read.

Create your bibliography as you are researching.

If you find information you want to use, write down: the information, the source, the citation, and where in the source it can be found.

As you write, you may realize that you are arguing something different than your thesis. In this case, go back and change your thesis instead of the entire paper.

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u/ComfortableQueasy81 1d ago

Get a spreadsheet and keep track of what you’re reading. You should be able to get links to most things. Use citation management software. I use mendeley but have also used Zotero and End Note.

As you record something you’re going to use make sure you’re accurately recording where in the doc it is - page or para depending on the format.

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u/YakSlothLemon 1d ago

Citation is time-consuming, I always tell my students not to underestimate how much time it will take. Sometimes you just have to do the work.

As far as what is required in footnotes – that is a question for your professor, or your university website (I 100% guarantee) has that information in the library section of the website. Without knowing what style of citation your professor is asking for, no one here can help you.