Keys to Finding Print Literature Reference Materials

This slide show is a primer on how to find basic literary criticism and materials in the MOHS Library.

What is Literary Criticism?

The interpretation (What does the text mean?) and/or evaluation (Is the work good or bad?) of literature.

Literary Criticism is written by highly qualified scholars on that book or period. It is not the same as a review.

Where can you find literary criticism? This slide show suggests three starting

points:– Novels for Students– TCLC or CLC– Readings On Series

Novels for Students These books are a great

starting point. They give summaries, themes and historical context along with a small sampling of literary criticism.

Remember there are three indices in the back- pick the right one! (Title and Author Index)

CLC

Contemporary Literary Criticism

These volumes cover LITERATURE (fiction) that was written by an author who is still living or died recently.

TCLC

Twentieth Century Literary Criticism

These volumes cover LITERATURE (fiction) that was written by an author who died between 1900 and 1999.

How to Use CLC or TCLC Pick the right index based

on when the author was alive.

Look up the title of the book you are researching.

Volume numbers are in BOLD.

Find the correct volume by looking at the number on the spine.

Readings On….. The Greenhaven Press

Literary Companion series is a great starting point.

Look for the Readings On… with the title of the book or the author you are researching.

The Table of Contents has the essays broken down into chapters along with a summary for each essay.

Spectrum Look for other books

on your subject by using Spectrum.

Spectrum is the catalog for the MOHS Library.

All computer desktops have the icon to the left. Click on the icon from the desktop to get to the catalog.

Spectrum CIRC-CAT.lnk

This is only the beginning

This is just a starting point for your research.

If you need more materials, try browsing the 800’s reference area.

Also, check the Spectrum catalog. Once you have a clear idea of what you are

researching, the online databases are also an excellent research tool.