Public Library Resources for Writers

I compiled this list for a presentation for my local SCBWI network. Its aim is to introduce writers to helpful library resources they may be unaware of.

I later wrote two articles on this topic for the Prairie Wind, the SCBWI Illinois chapter's newsletter, that expand on the information below. You can read them here:

• Digital Library Resources for Authors (Spring 2008)
• Print Library Resources for Authors (Summer 2008)

Online Resources

Not every public library offers its patrons access to these resources, but most do - or offer similar alternatives. Visit your home library’s website and look for its “reference” or “database” section. For remote access (outside the library), you generally need log in to databases with your library card number.

Author/Book Research

• Literature Resource Center
  Come here for articles and critical essays about authors and their works.
• NoveList and NoveList K-8
  Very cool resource to explore. Find book reviews, author biographical information, read-alikes, books on similar topics, award and genre lists, etc.
• Resources on your (or anybody’s) library website
  Many public libraries offer a goldmine of recommended reading lists, award lists, book reviews, links to literacy websites, and more. Free for all, of course!

Subject Research

• Chicago Tribune and/or New York Times Historical Databases (by Proquest)
  Great for period research! Search facsimiles of newspaper articles and advertisements dating back to the mid-1800s.
• Gale Virtual Reference Library
  When Wikipedia and World Book just won’t cut it. Easily search dozens of specialized encyclopedias.
• Infotrac (by Gale) and Proquest
  Good for in-depth research, especially on contemporary issues. Search for full-text articles from magazines and academic journals.

Print Resources

Some of the most comprehensive resources will probably be in the reference section of your library’s Youth Services department. Ask your librarian if you don’t see what you’re looking for; that’s what we’re here for! NB: Call numbers apply to Dewey Decimal libraries only.

011.62–028.5

• Guides to “best books” for various age groups
• Genre bibliographies – e.g., fantasy, adventure
• Award bibliographies
• Sociocultural bibliographies – e.g., African-American, gay & lesbian
• A to Zoo: Subject Access to Children’s Picture Books, by Carolyn W. Lima and John A. Lima (Westport: Libraries Unlimited, 2006)
  What picture books are out there on worms or going to the dentist? This guide is more comprehensive than your library’s catalog and is one of my favorite resources!

800s (especially 808.06)

• Publishing market guides
• Writing guides
• Authors’ personal stories
• Literary criticism

920–921

• Something About the Author reference series - children’s author biographical information
• Group and individual author biographies and autobiographies

Parent-Teacher Section

Your library may have a special section geared toward adults who work with children. In our library, this is not a restricted area; anyone of any age may view and borrow books from this section! Some items you may find useful:

• Storytime and storytelling guides
• Teaching and activity guides
• Parenting guides
• Literary criticism and author studies
• Picture books on sensitive topics (e.g., cancer, alcohol abuse)

(List updated 12/13/07)