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Literature Research and Reading

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

Just for Reading:

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Author Talks

Livestreamed chats with amazing authors! Submit your questions when you sign up to attend. New authors every month! See this month's authors.

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Flipster

Sign in with your Full Access card and PIN to read magazines in your browser, or download the app to read on your device! View Tutorial

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Hoopla

Check out ebooks, digital comics, audiobooks, and more! View Tutorial

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LCPL Catalog

Our very own catalog contains helpful materials for getting started in your research. Find Indiana-specific records and indexes, encyclopedias, newspapers, and more!

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Libby (aka Overdrive)

Use your library card and PIN to check out ebooks, magazines, and audiobooks and read on your tablet, computer, phone, or ereader! View Tutorial

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NoveList Plus

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.

Can't Find It?

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!

Literary Research: 

Conputer with live stream icon, book, microphone, q and a bubbles

Author Talks

Livestreamed chats with amazing authors! Submit your questions when you sign up to attend. New authors every month! See this month's authors.

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EBSCO Research Databases

Search multiple databases at once, including play indexes and recommended reading lists by age group.

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Gale Literary Sources

Search for academic articles, essays, and topics about literature. Includes items from Literature Criticism Online, Literature Resource Center, Gale Virtual Reference Library, and more.

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INSPIRE

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

LCPL Logo

LCPL Catalog

Our very own catalog contains helpful materials for getting started in your research. Find Indiana-specific records and indexes, encyclopedias, newspapers, and more!

Literature Criticism Online logo

Literature Criticism Online

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.

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Literature Resource Center

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.

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Something About the Author

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."

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WilsonWeb Play Index

A catalog for plays and textbooks/articles about plays. This database does not contain full text, but will direct you to the appropriate book.