Subject Headings

Library of Congress Subject Headings are the words and phrases that you will use to do a Subject search in Bridge (as opposed to a keyword search, where you may use any words you like).

Because subject headings are created according to a specific formula, and because it is unlikely that you will be able to guess what phrases this formula will generate, it is often helpful to do a Keyword search on your topic, and, once you find an appropriate source, examine the subjects (usually found in the middle of the page as you scroll down). You may then conduct a subject search by clicking on the linked subject heading in Bridge. Keeping a list of the phrases you find in the subject headings can help you form more and more complex and effective searches as your research progresses.

Although Literature, English literature, and American literature are Library of Congress Subject Headings (as are American poetry and English drama), you will probably get better results if you are more specific. If you are interested in the literature of a particular ethnic group, search for literature created by that group. For example, use Asian American literature (for example), but be aware that being too specific will greatly limit your results. You may also specify a time period, as in English literature 19th century. You may also search by the name of a particular writer (last name first) to find works about that author.