Searching for Literary Criticism for Short Stories

Sample Subject Headings in ROSIE, the online book catalog -

Criticism about a particular short story might be found in books of literary criticism about the short story's author. Search ROSIE under "subject" for the author, remembering that you must use last name first. Then see if there is an entry for "Criticism and Interpretation." See the following examples:

• Updike, John
• Chopin, Kate
• Hemingway, Ernest
• Hurston, Zora Neale
• Bible -- Criticism

Reference Books -

Andrews, William L. et al. The Oxford Companion to African American Literature. New York: Oxford University Press, 1997. R PS153.N5 O96 1997

Davidson, Cathy N. et al. The Oxford Companion to Women's Writing in the United States. New York: Oxford University Press, 1995. R PS147 .O94 1995

Gale Research Company. Short Story Criticism. Detroit: Gale Research Co. R PN3373 .S386, vols. 1-6

Gale Research Company. Twentieth-Century Literary Criticism. Detroit: Gale Research Co. R PN771 .G27, vols. 1-95

Robinson, Lillian S., ed. Modern Women Writers. New York: Continuum, 1996. R PN471.M62 1996, vols. 1-4

Research Guides -

These Research Guides have been prepared by Librarians at Bowman Library to assist students in locating resources applicable to particular subject areas as well as conducting proper research.

• Evaluating Web Resources
• Critically Analyzing Information Sources
• Searching Electronic Resources Effectively

Research Databases -

These resources are Web-based subscription services available via Bowman Library's Web Page.

Gale Virtual Reference Library - Literature Collection - a collection of electronic reference books on literature. From this advanced search screen, choose "Literature" as the subject area and then search by title or author.

Gale Virtual Reference Library - Religion Collection - use this electronic collection of reference books to do research on the Bible and parables.

Literature Resource Center - search by author's name or title of a short story for both biographical information and literary criticism.

Oxford Reference Collection - Religion - a collection of electronic reference books on religion, including the Bible.

Wilson SelectPlus - search here for literary criticism, by author and by title.

XreferPlus Literature Collection - a collection of electronic reference books on literature; search by title or author.

XreferPlus Religion Collection - a collection of electronic reference books on religion and the Bible.

Selected Free Web Sites -

The following free Web resources have been selected as examples of the types of sites that will be useful to the requirements of this course. Remember, many free Web sites contain information that is doubtful in nature, or wrong, so always review the authority, currency and objectivity or bias of every site you use. Need help? Look at Evaluating Web Resources or ask a Librarian, we are here to help!

enotes.com Short Story Criticism - Short story criticism from various academic sources; note that some are full text, while others require purchase.

Citing Your Sources-

Be sure to check with your professor on which citation style is required. Bowman Library provides the following resources to assist with citation format:

For online resources, see How to Cite Your Research for links to MLA, APA, and Chicago citation styles.

MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers - LB2369 .G53 2003 (Located in Library Permanent Reserves).

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association - BF76.7 .P83 2001 (Located in Library Permanent Reserves).

The Chicago Manual of Style - Z253 .U69 2003 (Located in Library Permanent Reserves).

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