Libraries As a Resource for Writers

Libraries As a Resource for Writers

Libraries can be a fantastic resource for writers...if used properly. Unfortunately many writers are put off of using libraries as a research or resource tool because they aren't too sure how best to use the resource and so hours can be wasted strolling around the library shelves. But there is a way to use libraries effectively and efficiently.

Finding a library the 'works' for you: You firstly have to decide which library or libraries would work best for you and for your needs. When drawing up a list of potential libraries or narrowing down your search for your 'local' library you need to first think about what sort of material each of your potential candidate libraries stock.

Public libraries allow free access to all, they almost if not all of their material open on their shelves for every budding writer to use. However the scope of their resource will vary. Most of them excel in the amount of stock or resource they have that relates to their own local area or history. That's great if the book or manuscript you're working on is in some way linked to your local area or history...not so great if you are working on a different subject matter all together.

Research libraries are often attached to Universities or other research-led establishments. Whilst the scope of information they hold is likely to be much greater than that found in smaller, local public libraries, research libraries often operate with restricted access. It may be that you need to be a student at that particular University for example before you can gain access. Don't be afraid to ask for access however, as you may find that if you explain your visit is for research purposes for the book you are writing or if you pay a small fee, access will be granted!

Finding relevant material once inside: Most libraries have now created online public access catalogues, which means that you can search for resourceful material either on a computer within the library or via the internet from the comfort of your own home. Indeed, with the great expansion in technology that we now see, you could actually browse the online catalogue from the train, plane, café across the road or from another country all together! You'll find that electronic resources such as journals, magazines and newspaper articles can also be located in libraries, but often via a separate electronic database search which will nearly always need to be conducted onsite.

Inputting meaningful search terms: It's all very well and good to have remote access to an online database of potentially helpful records, books and publications, but you have to ensure that the search you're conducting is meaningful if you want to reveal any results that will actually be of benefit to you and your creative writing. So, when starting your search of the library's database, remember to (a) use key words if you don't know the name of the book or the author you're searching for, (b) search systematically, using a variety of combinations of key search terms and noting down important results, (c) staying focused on the purpose of your search, and (d) asking for help where it is required.

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_(By Samantha Joy Pearce).