This document provides guidance on finding and accessing criticism about works of literature through books and journals in the University of Maryland Libraries. It discusses searching the library catalog for a recommended book, finding useful subject headings, and searching the MLA International Bibliography database for journal articles and other materials related to literary criticism, identity, and African American literature. Helpful search techniques and additional subject terms are suggested.

1. ENGL 301: Critical Methods in
the Study of Literature
Tim Hackman
Librarian for English & Linguistics
thackman@umd.edu / 301-314-8521

2. Finding Criticism in Books

3. Your professor has recommended the
following book for your research:
Balkun, Mary McAleer.
The American Counterfeit:
Authenticity & Identity in
American Literature &
Culture. Tuscaloosa, AL:
U of Alabama P, 2006.

4. The American Counterfeit:
Authenticity & Identity in American
Literature & Culture
• Do the UM Libraries own
this book?
• If so, in what library and
section is it located?
• What is the call number?
• Is it available, or is it
checked out?

5. The American Counterfeit:
Authenticity & Identity in American
Literature & Culture
• What is the first subject
heading listed for this
book?
• How many other books in
our catalog have the same
subject heading?

6. Library of Congress Subject Headings
Fitzgerald, F. Scott (Francis
Scott), 1896-1940 – Criticism
and Interpretation
• How many books are in the
UM Libraries catalog with this
subject heading?
• What is the title of one of
these books published in
2011?

7. Library of Congress Subject Headings
More useful headings:
• Criticism and Interpretation
• Bibliography
• Biography
• Characters
• Correspondence
• Interviews
• Political and Social Views

8. Finding Criticism in Journals

9. MLA International Bibliography
• Literary criticism, language,
linguistics, rhetoric & folklore
• Multiple countries, languages
• Books, book chapters, journal
articles, dissertations,
conference proceedings, etc.
• 1920 to present

10. MLA International Bibliography
• Search for items related to
identity AND African
American literature
• What search terms did you
use?
• How many results did you
get?
• What types of items did you
find?

11. MLA International Bibliography
• What are 3 ways you could
narrow this search?
• What are 3 more subject
terms that would be useful
for this research topic?

12. Thank You
Tim Hackman
Librarian for English & Linguistics
thackman@umd.edu
301-314-8521