These databases not only contain thousands of articles on literary theory and criticism, many also contain the full text of several classics so that you can download and read them from your computer.
We've separated them into two categories: Research for theory/criticism and just for reading!
Tutorials: How to Use These Resources
AudioBookCloud (Formerly Talking Tumblebooks)
A database of audiobooks for all ages separated into fiction, nonfiction, plays, poetry, Spanish books, and children's books. No need to download - listen online!
Our very own catalog contains helpful materials for getting started in your research. Find Indiana-specific records and indexes, encyclopedias, newspapers, and more!
Use your library card and PIN to check out ebooks, magazines, and audiobooks and read on your tablet, computer, phone, or ereader! View Tutorial
If you liked X, read Y! This database contains recommended reading lists based on interest and also allows you to search by keyword, genre, and author to find your next great read.
Get the first few chapters of a new book delivered to your inbox every week! Pick your genre and enter your email address to subscribe. Like what you read? Check out the full book from the library!
eBooks for middle school and high school students. Selection covers the classics, plays, poetry, graphic novels, and much more! Read straight from your browser.
If you can't find what you're looking for in any of our databases, give your local library a call. They can help you figure out which databases would be most helpful to you to further research your topic.
If you'd like to ask a librarian, but it's after library hours, just head over to our Ask a Librarian page! This form lets you contact us at any time of day or night. We'll get you an answer within 24 business hours. Happy researching!
Search multiple databases at once, including play indexes and recommended reading lists by age group.
Search for academic articles, essays, and topics about literature. Includes items from Literature Criticism Online, Literature Resource Center, Gale Virtual Reference Library, and more.
A searchable database of databases, free to all Indiana residents. INSPIRE works at any LCPL location, but you can also create an account confirming your Indiana residency for home access. More info on home access
Our very own catalog contains helpful materials for getting started in your research. Find Indiana-specific records and indexes, encyclopedias, newspapers, and more!
Browse articles about authors and their works, or browse by topic. Also includes a search engine that allows you to search for articles by year (helpful if you're required to have more recent sources!) Results from this resource are also included in Gale Literary Sources.
Contains full-text articles from journals and lit magazines, as well as critical essays, full-text works, and biographies. Designed to give the researcher contextual understanding of their topic. Results from this resource are also included in Gale Literary Sources.
Thousands of illustrated biographical profiles of children's authors and illustrators, all in an easy-to-use interface. Handy features include the ability to print, e-mail, download and access content by "Inside this Entry" and "Inside this Volume."
A catalog for plays and textbooks/articles about plays. This database does not contain full text, but will direct you to the appropriate book.