Doing Library Research

The Children’s Literature field is a vast and exciting specialty in literature. Areas of research can include study of the genres of literature for children, author and illustrator research, selection of appropriate materials, multicultural literature, and other avenues of interest.

It is important to distinguish between finding actual children’s literature (books and materials intended for young audiences) and sources about children’s literature.

While the Internet may provide useful information, it may not be your best source.

Print Resources
Finding Juvenile Books
Juvenile books can be searched through the MCC Library Catalog. The prefix JUV in the call number identifies these materials and all JUV books are housed together. At the Paul A. Elsner Library the collection of Caldecott and Newbery Medal books is housed at the start of the Juvenile Collection. At the Red Mountain Library the Caldecott and Newbery books are shelved within the regular Juvenile Collection.

MCC Library Catalog
Use the catalog to identify and locate materials both in the Juvenile Collection and materials about children’s literature in the regular collection. These materials include:
• Works of literature by the author or illustrator or title
• Books of criticism and study of particular fields within children’s literature
• Biographies of authors and illustrators
• Specialized Encyclopedias
• Selection tools for finding good books for children

Use the following searches in the catalog:
• Author search for works by an author or illustrator
• Subject search for works about an author or illustrator
• Title search for a specific work
• Keyword search to combine terms of relevance