This is a list of selected sources of Shakespeare research materials. It is NOT a complete list. Be sure to ask the librarian for assistance with these sources, as well as suggestions for other sources to use.

Books

Use the computer catalog to find books about the works of William Shakespeare. Subject searches are best. Some recommended subject headings are:

Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616

This subject heading will bring up hundreds of records. Try to narrow to a subheading, such as:

Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616—Criticism and interpretation.

This subheading brings up materials which are generally about Shakespeare’s works.

Also try using the title of a work as a subheading after the main heading.

Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616. Antony and Cleopatra.

Compilations of Criticisms

Shakespearean Criticism. Detroit: Gale, 1984 - present.
Ref. PR 2965 S43
Excerpts from the criticisms of Shakespeare’s plays and poetry.

Bibliographies

Modern Language Association International Bibliography.
This bibliography covers 1926 to the present. It will list journal articles, doctoral dissertations and books about the works of William Shakespeare, as well as many other authors.

Connect to MLA International Bibliography

Champion, Larry S. Essential Shakespeare: An Annotated Bibliography of Major Modern Studies. 2^nd ed. New York: G.K. Hall, 1993. Ref. Z8811 C53 1993.
This bibliography is devoted to the works of Shakespeare and include references to many journal articles, books, etc. The 1986 first edition of this work is also available Ref. Z 8811 C53 1986.

World Shakespeare Bibliography. Hanover, PA: Sheridan Press (annual ).
This bibliography is an annual supplement to the journal Shakespeare Quarterly.

Shakespeare: A Study & Research Guide
Ref. Z 8811 B44 1995

Other bibliographies are listed in the online catalog under the subject heading: Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616 – bibliography.

Scholarly Journal Articles

See our Electronic Resources page for a complete list of electronic indexes and databases.

Essay and General Literature Index. New York: H.W. Wilson. Index Area Ref. Z 1011 E752 1900-2004).
Index to essays in collections, as well as journal articles, arranged by subject headings. Check the online catalog by the title of the collected work to see if the essay is available.

Humanities Index. New York: H.W. Wilson.
Index Area Ref. AI 3 R492 1974-2004
Index to journal articles in the humanities, arranged by subject headings.

Citing Sources

For information on citing resources in a research paper, see Citing Print and Electronic Resources in Research Papers.