Getting Started with Gale Literature
Gale Literature can be used to research literary topics, authors and their works as well as biographical information, reviews and criticism. It includes the Merriam Webster’s Encyclopedia of Literature. The resource brings together Gale’s premier literary databases, allowing researchers of all levels to find a starting point, search across a wide array of materials and points in time, and discover new ways to analyze information.
How to access Gale Literature
- Go to tpl.ca and enter “Gale Literature” in the search box
- Click on Access Online under Gale Literature
- Enter your library card number and PIN
Basic Search
Enter your search term(s) in the box. When you start typing a search assist feature shows possible term(s).
Search Results
Essays (under “Literature Criticism”) are the first group of results. To get to plot summaries, scroll down to “Topic & Work Overviews” (or click on this category in the upper right, under “Content Types”).
To search for biographies of literary authors:
- click on “Person Search” (next to “Works Search”) and, on the next screen, enter the author’s name, or parts of it
- click on the search result on the next screen that matches the author
- click on “Biographies” in the upper right, under “Content Types”
Viewing Results
Click on the title of an article to get to the article. Some results show a PDF page view. Use the plus and minus icons or full screen view.
To Cite, Email, Download, Print, etc.
Use the Tools menu on the top of the article to cite, email, download, print, etc. the article.
New Search
Click on the Gale Literature logo at the top of the page.
For more information or for help, please contact our Answerline service.