Database Guide - Artstor

Artstor offers one place to search images from multiple collections from the world's museums, archives, libraries, artists, scholars and photography archives. Collections that are only available through Artstor are frequently added.

For more information on its featured collections: https://www.artstor.org/collections/

Artstor offers images that are copyright-cleared for use in your studies, unlike some free images you can find online. Check the ‘Rights notes’ on each image for specific guidance. Artstor also offers tools to help you save, examine, compare, and share images. Following its integration within JSTOR’s platform, you can now search images and scholarly research at the same time.

• Go to LibrarySearch
• Log in using your CCCU username and password. If you are away from campus, or connecting with your own device over Wi-Fi, you will need to include @canterbury.ac.uk after your CCCU username.
• Select ‘Find Databases A-Z’, then click on A. Finally click on the link to Artstor to open it in a new tab.

• Create an account by clicking on ‘register’ on the top right of the screen. You can sign into your account by clicking on ‘log in’ on the top right of the screen and then searching for Canterbury Christ Church University. This will allow you to save and organise your images into your own workspace.

• Type your keywords into the search box. Remember to vary combinations of your keywords in several searches to ensure that you find all the relevant material you need. You can also select the ‘Images’ tab above the search box to limit your search.

• Use the filters on the left-side panel to refine your search, for example by content type, classification, geographic location, or date.

• Use the advanced search by clicking on the link above the basic search box. This is a good option if you are searching for a particular image.

• Select an image from the results list. On the right are details about the image which can be used to create a reference. On the top right are the following four options: 

  ‘Cite’ offers the option to generate a reference. We advise that you refer to the style guide for your School to format references. If you follow the Harvard referencing style, you will need to refer to Cite them Right for guidance (online database via LibrarySearch or printed book).

  ‘Share’ offers a way to share the image by Facebook, Twitter and email.

  ‘Save’ images into folders in your workspace. Click on the three dots next to your saved folder to create a link to share these images. Your saved images can be exported into PowerPoint slides, as a PDF list or ZIP file. You can also present and compare images side by side from your results list or Workspace.

  ‘Download’ the image onto your device as a jpg. file.

Try searching Artstor by following the steps outlined below. You’ll practice using some of the most common functions and be ready to search for images for your research.

1. Before you begin, create an account by selecting ‘register’ from the top right of the screen and follow the instructions.
2. Select the ‘images’ tab above the search box. Search for ‘London’. How many results do you find? How can you find the results that are most relevant?
3. You can choose options from the left-hand pane to streamline your results. Add in the dates ‘from 1500 to 1700’ in the boxes.
4. Under ‘classifications’, click ‘show more’ to view the whole list. Select the category ‘Maps, Charts and Graphs’. How has this changed the number of your results?
5. We now have only a small number of results, although in future searches think about applying more limits or adding more keywords in the search box. You could also try an advanced search.
6. Select an image from your results list. Click on the full screen symbol at the top right corner of the image and test the zoom feature using the + and – magnifying icons. Select ‘compare’ and choose another image from your results list to examine. Leave the full screen view by selecting ‘Exit’ from the top right corner.
7. Click on ‘save’ and save the image to your workspace. You can access this area afterwards by clicking on ‘workspace’ at the top of the screen. Create a new folder by clicking on the button at the top right of your workspace. You can now move your saved image to your new folder. Select the folder and click on ‘export’ at the top right of the screen. From here you can export images to PowerPoint, as a PDF list or ZIP file.
8. Reflect on how you can use Artstor in your research and assignments.

Access Artstor and scroll to the footer at the bottom of the webpage where you will find a link to information on accessibility:

https://about.jstor.org/accessibility/

Your Learning and Research Librarian will be able to help you make the best use of online resources. For detailed guidance, book a tutorial via the Learning Skills Hub.