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.

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.