Searching for Nonfiction 

Juvenile literature is cataloged by topic (subject); corresponding call numbers are most often part of a specific subject heading. Generally speaking, a nonfiction title's call number will begin with any letter but P (Juvenile fiction).

What does that mean?

When looking for a nonfiction book, begin your search with a subject or topic.

How? Start with the library catalog and conduct a keyword search.

(1) Enter your topic, 

(2) Limit the location option to MAIN Juvenile, then

(3) Submit the search & review your results.

Evaluate your selection

Use the catalog record to help evaluate search results.

(1) Subject terms will often include juvenile or young adult literature signifying it is nonfiction. 

(2) Use Content Café, click on the book cover image, to view additional information about the title.

(3) Click on catalog subject headings and/or genres to explore similar items.

(4) Read a chapter or passage in the book to determine if it meets the criteria for literary nonfiction.

About subject terms

Subject terms will lead to other titles with similar topics / subjects / content. However, there is no guarantee it will be the same - or even similar - genre. Think critically about the results generated by expanding your search and exploring subjects.