Literature

1. Keep your search terms more general than you would with an article database;
2. If you find a great book on your topic, browse the shelves near this book for similar books;
3. The default search is limited to Loras Library only; if you're not finding enough, expand to other libraries in the region or the world;
4. When you identify a book that Loras Library does not have, use interlibrary loan to get it;
5. Many current books are ebooks; don't forget to click on those links;
6. Need help finding books on our shelves? Here's how to use library call numbers.

Print resources at the Loras College Library are organized according to the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system.  Literature-related topics can be found in these call number areas:

• 810  American Literature in English
• 811  American poetry in English
• 812  American drama in English
• 813  American fiction in English
• 814  American essays in English
• 815  American speeches in English
• 816  American letters in English
• 817  American humor & satire in English
• 818  American miscellaneous writings
• 820  English & Old English literatures
• 821  English & Old English literatures
• 822  English drama
• 823  English fiction
• 824  English essays
• 825  English speeches
• 826  English letters
• 827  English humor & satire
• 828  English miscellaneous writings

• 829  Old English (Anglo-Saxon)

You may find other useful library materials under different call numbers. For example, if a book is generally about art but discusses literature, it might have a call number within the subject of art. Need help finding books? Just Ask a Librarian!

Photo credit: National Library of New Zealand (on Flikr)