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Frederick E. Berry Library and Learning Commons

ENL 290: Fictions of Gender and Sexuality

Examples of Searching with Various Key Word Combinations and Linking to LC Subject Headings

  • The Berry Library uses the Library of Congress classification system to catalog its books.
    • The terminology is often awkward, arcane, and out-of-date compared to our contemporary language. 
    • "LGBTQ+", for example, is not among the formal list of authorized subject headings.
    • However, "Literary Criticism/LGBTQ+" is a valid heading.
    • Most people would not know this. 
    • So, try a work around to find hidden paths to good books.
  • Step One: Execute a simple search with key words like:
    • gay literature
    • gays in literature
    • lesbian literature
    • lesbians in literature
  • Step Two: For books that you like, link to additional titles by clicking on Library of Congress Subject Headings in the record.
    • This is where you will find headings like "Literary Criticism/LGBTQ+". 
  • For example:

Example #1: Results with the Simple Key Word Search: "Gay literature"

Example #2: Results with the Simple Key Word Search: "Lesbian Literature"

Example #3: Results with the Simple Key Word Search: "Gay Literary Criticism"

Example #4: Linking from Library of Congress Subject Headings to Additional Books

Subjects: English