Literature: Find Books and Articles

A useful way to search the library's collection for books about a specific author or piece of writing is to add the phrase "criticism and interpretation" to your catalog search, in addition to the author's name or title of the work. For example, if you were looking for critiques on the novel The Color Purple by Alice Walker, you might try:

criticism and interpretation "Color Purple"

or

criticism and interpretation "Alice Walker"

American literature

American literature by African American authors

Works by Shakespeare

Literature by Native American authors

Latin American Literature

Literature by Asian Americans

Biographies

Autobiographies

Folklore and Mythology

Bible as Literature

Books are essential to researchers and often provide a strong overview of a topic. One way to find books on your topic is to use a keyword search to find relevant subjects.

For example, I searched the keyword phrase college study skills in the PCC Library search box. The first result seemed very relevant, a book called College study skills : becoming a strategic learner. I clicked on the linked title of the book, then scrolled to the Item Details heading to view the Subjects you see below. Clicking on a linked subject will get me quickly to more books on the same topic.

If we don't have a book, chances are we can get it for you!

When you find an item with a "Find and request" message that means the book is not in our collection or is checked out.

You may be able to request the book from a library in our region using the blue "Get it" buttons to request a physical copy of the book or digital chapters from the book. Click on the book you want, and if you don't see "Get it" buttons to request a physical or digital copy of the book, you will need to log in with your MyPCC username and password after you click the blue "Sign in" button. 

Physical Item Requests

Requested physical items can be delivered to any PCC Library at no cost for pick-up in the amount of time listed in the "Get it from other locations" section (usually 7 days). An email to your MyPCC account will notify you when your item is ready for pick up. Items must be picked up within seven calendar days after they are available. Return your borrowed items to any PCC library.

Digital Chapter Requests

Requested digital items (such as book chapters) should be delivered via email in the amount of time listed in the "Get it from other locations" section (often 24 hours). You will receive requested PDFs via email. 

Learn more at our "Requesting Library Materials" page.