ENGL 102: Research: Find Books

Guide for students and instructors of English 102 on how to use the library and find resources

About

Why do we as researchers and writers sometimes choose books over a journal articles? Because of their length, books tend to provide more comprehensive treatment of a topic. Also, books can be useful for providing footnotes to additional materials. There are more than 4 million books at the KU Libraries, so finding the books you really need can take some practice. This page contains information on finding books as well as links to citation information, KU Libraries' "Ask a Librarian" instant messenger, and KU Libraries' locations and hours. 

Finding Books

To find books

Start by clicking on 'Catalog: books & more' to find books, journal titles, and other materials. (Please note: You cannot use the catalog to find journal articles.)

  • Search to find topics
    • In the 'Search by' box select 'And, Or, Not' (Keyword Boolean).  See the box below for more information on constructing searches with 'And, Or, Not'.
  • Search to find books by an author
    • In the 'Search By' box, select 'Author' and enter the author's name: Last Name, First Name.
    • For example, to find books by Tennessee Williams:
    • Click 'Author' and type in “Williams, Tennessee”
  • Search to find books about an author
    • In the 'Search By' box, select 'Subject' and enter the author's name: Last Name, First Name.
    • For example, to find books about Tennessee Williams:
      • Click 'Subject' and type in “Williams, Tennessee”
  • Search to find literary criticism
    • In the 'Search By' box, select 'Subject Headings' and enter the author's name (Last Name, First Name) followed by "—Criticism and interpretation".
    • For example, to find books analyzing Williams' works:
      • Click 'Subject Headings' and type in “Williams, Tennessee—Criticism and Interpretation”
  • OR search by 'Subject Headings' and title of work
    • For example: “Williams, Tennessee—Glass Menagerie”

Quick Search

Research Help

Ask a Librarian

We can help with your research questions -- contact us by chat, phone, email, text or at a Research Help desk.

Library Info

ILL General Information

Office Location: Room 210, Second Floor, Watson Library
Phone: 785-864-3960
Email:
illborr@ku.edu
Staff: See the Directory by Department
Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
After hours, please leave voice mail or use email.