Resources

Resources for Research on Children's Literature

University Library System

The University Library System (ULS) offers a wide array of resources on children’s literature, childhood studies, and cultural studies.

Hillman Library includes circulating juvenile and young adult books as well as a wealth of print format scholarly journals, books, and encyclopedias focused on different aspects of the study of children’s literature and culture. Hillman, the biggest humanities and social sciences library on campus, also includes biographies of children’s authors and illustrators.

The Buhl Social Work Collection, located on the first floor, also includes many titles of interest to those studying childhood and children’s culture.

The Elizabeth Nesbitt Collection, a marvelous array of materials related to the history of children and their books and media, is part of Hillman Special Collections. The volumes in this collection include more than 12,000 books and magazines titles of interest dating from the 1600s through today. Among the many holdings you’ll find:

Additionally, the ULS offers thousands of scholarly publications, databases such as JStor, MLA Bibliography, and Early English Books Online, and ebooks online. PITT students, faculty, and staff who are off campus can easily log in using EZProxy and access all licensed content.

One especially fabulous service the the ULS offers is Ask a Librarian. If you have a question about how to research a given topic or how to find a particular resource, simple click to start a chat or send an email. The Children’s Literature Liaison or another librarian will respond shortly!

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

We are fortunate here at PITT to have the main library of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh right in Oakland, just steps away from the Cathedral of Learning.

The Children’s Department has an amazing collection of children’s books and an equally terrific Teen section. Once you join the library you can check out or request titles from other Allegheny County public libraries. The friendly librarians can provide valuable information about what new books are really hot right now and what titles you can read If you’re interested in a particular topic.

Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures brings award-winning children’s and YA authors and illustrators to town! Past speakers include Jon Scieszka, Katherine Paterson, Lois Lowry, and Jack Gantos.

For a few more tips about how to go about researching aspects of children’s literature, check out this handout on “Doing Research.”