WRIT 106: Narrative Theory

This guide provides some useful starting places for your research. I'm happy to meet with you to help with any part of the research process, from finding and evaluating sources to understanding how to cite them. – Karen​ Storz, Research & Instruction Librarian

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There are three major ways to find sources at Wellesley. Learn more about each and get started searching below!

• SuperSearch
• the library databases
• the library catalog

Trying some initial searches in SuperSearch can be a great way to begin to explore a topic from many angles across a variety of disciplines and types of sources. Start with a simple search and scan the results, paying attention to aspects of the topic that jump out at you or resonate with you.

Because SuperSearch contains so much content from so many different kinds of sources, the results can sometimes be overwhelming and hard to focus. At the same time, SuperSearch is also not comprehensive and can miss key sources. To search with more focus, precision, and depth, try some of the databases and other resources recommended below and on the other pages of this guide.

What is a database?

Databases are resources that contain information that is structured and organized to make it easier to search and access.

The most common kind of library databases contain articles from academic journals and other publications, but there are many kinds of databases--databases for images, videos, data, news, and more!

Why should I use a library database?

• Not everything can be found in SuperSearch! Articles and books in some databases don't show up in SuperSearch.  
• Databases are often specialized by subject area (such as literature, history, sociology, etc.).
  • Searching in subject-specific databases focuses your search and helps you find more relevant sources. 
  • Subject-specific databases often offer special filters or search features designed to help researchers in that subject find what they need.
    • For example, in a history database, you might be able to limit your results to those covering a particular historical period.
• Databases contain information not available through general internet search engines (such as Google).
  • Many articles that are usually behind paywalls can be accessed through library databases. Wellesley College subscribes to over 300 different databases!

See the Search Tips & Tutorials page of this guide for strategies for searching these databases. 

See our full Databases list and filter by Subject to find good starting points in any discipline.

Why should I search the library catalog?

The library catalog is another way to search for books, ebooks, and videos. Searching the catalog will give you a more focused set of results than searching for books in SuperSearch. You can also use the subject terms to browse related materials.

Try a keyword search. Once you find a book that's relevant to your topic, click on the title and look for Subjects towards the bottom of the page to help you find "more like this."

Sample keyword search for

• "narrative theory"

leads to linked subject terms and more books related to this topic:

• Narration (Rhetoric)
• Fiction > History and criticism > Theory, etc.
• Discourse analysis, Narrative.

Not finding enough? Search WorldCat and request books through Interlibrary Loan.