Finding Books at SJSU
To find a specific work of literature, search by author or title in the SJSU Library's OneSearch catalog.
The call number ranges for literature written in English are:
- PR (for British, Irish, Canadian, Australian, and postcolonial writers)
- PS for American writers.
Print Books with PR & PS call numbers are on the 7th Floor.
Ebooks can be read online or downloaded. Check the book's record for information.
- SJSU's Special Collections has first edition literature books available for use in the Special Collections Reading Room.
- the San Jose Public Library collection includes English literature books on the 3rd Floor of the King Library in the 800 Dewey call number range. You can request SJPL books held at branch libraries be transferred to the King Library or to the SJPL branch library near you.
To find literary criticism, search the SJSU Library Catalog by subject, using the name of the author or a topic. These are some examples of Library of Congress subject headings:
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Herrera, Juan Felipe--criticism and interpretation
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Postcolonialism in literature
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Hip-hop--United States
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American literature -- African-American authors
Most likely, you won't know the Library of Congress subject heading for your topic. Start by searching by the author's name or a keyword using terms relevant to your topic.
A Useful Guide to finding writers
SJSU Ebooks: Language & Literature
Find e-books in OneSearch by searching by the title, author or topic.
When the search results display, look to the left side of the screen at the box labeled "Show Results for"
F ind the heading for "Availability." Select the "Full Text online from SJSU" option.
Next find the "Resource Type" option and select "Books."
Apply both filters to find the ebooks!
Finding Books at Other Libraries
Request books from libraries all over the world. Use Interlibrary Services when material is not owned by the King Library or SJPL Branches. Requests can be made by filling out an ILLiad online request form. This service is free to all card holders -- late fees still apply -- and may take 7 to 10 days for the request to be filled.
Link+ is a borrowing program among many California academic and public libraries — see Link+ Member Libraries . SJSU is not a Link+ member. Check with the San Jose Public Library or your local library so you can request items from another library that are not available at the King Library or San José Public Library (SJPL) Branches.
Borrowing from other Local Libraries
Link to catalogs of local libraries and libraries in the CSU system.
A catalog containing over 34 million records from libraries worldwide, useful for identifying items not available at King Library.