I need to rehab my bedroom closet due to old plaster, and lack of shelving, etc. The plaster is in rough shape, and wood literally take me more time to repair, then to drywall over. However, it's hard to find the studs without causing too much damage to the plaster and wood lath.

Any tips on locating studs in plaster? The studfinder is worthless here.

Furthermore, any tips on laying drywall over plaster? I have read about using liquid nails, and then dry wall screws through to the lath. Although, with shelving, and weight constrictions, I would really like to anchor to a few studs.

Yes, you are correct in that it would be better to anchor to the studs.

The studs are probably 16 or 24 inches on center. I would try measuring out those distances from the corners of the wall and driving some nails in to find the studs.

If you put the drywall over the plaster, isn't it going to stick out over a moulding or trim that you might have right above the floor?

The existing base molding was attached to the plaster, and I was able to ply it off. Therefore, I will drywall over, and reapply the molding. Thanks for your advice, I will try the nailing technique, and let you know.

Drill a hole near the ceiling and take a Sawsall and slice to the floor. Try to choose a cavity that is free of pipes and wires. Start there and rip all the old plaster and lath off. Then the studs will be bare to drywall.

I have a plaster and lath house also. My preference is to pull the plaster off the wall (talk about dusty mess! ) but leave the lath up. When I drywall over that you it makes a very stiff wall, nice. Plus she can hang pictures without molly screws! LOL