This guide is designed to help you do research on social, cultural, political, economic, literary, and historical topics related to the LGBT community. If you'd like learn more about research and online resources, stop by to speak to a librarian at the Circulation Desk on the 1st floor library.
There are many databases and print indexes to choose from for your research. Depending on your topic and time period you may have to use an array of resources. Given that LGBT studies is an interdisplinary study, there is no one source that will give you everything in one. So you will need to be creative. An often overlooked resource is the bibliography that can be found at the end of related journal articles or in books on your topic. Stop by the Reference Desk for help.
OneSearch is our local online library system. It allows you to locate books, articles, periodicals, government publications, films and more. The library catalog also provides status information, e.g. if the material is checked out. Check the library catalog to verify availability, as most of the materials listed can be checked out. For help locating materials or instruction on using the catalog or the online databases a librarian is available at the Circulation desk on the 1st floor library.
The Library Catalog uses the "Library of Congress Subject Headings" to catalog books. These subject headings are slow to change and sometimes removed from contemporary usage; they are, however, extremely useful in locating books and articles. Although these are subject headings using them as KEYWORDS is an excellent research method. Examples of subject headings:
Homosexuality
Homosexuality and Education -- United States
Homosexuality in Literature
Homosexuality in Art
Bisexuality
Gay and Lesbian Studies
Gay Rights
Homophobia
Lesbianism
Male Homosexuality
Transgenderism
Social groups or geographical locations can be substituted for other groups or locations.
Some names and organizations can also be used in subject searches.
See a tutorial on library call numbers