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French Language & Literature

This guide details library resources for information about French language and literature.

Library Catalog Search Tips

The Library Catalog

Use the library's online catalog to find books and journals in NYU's Bobst Library, other NYU libraries, as well as the libraries of the New School and Cooper Union.

Common Search Terms

If you are looking for:

  • Biographical information, then use the search term "biography"
  • Bibliographical information, then use the search term "bibliography"
  • A dictionary, then use the search term "dictionary"
  • A catalog, then use the search term "catalogs"
  • A journal, then use the search term "periodicals"
  • Theater/play information, then use the search term "drama"
  • Critical or secondary material about a work, then use the search term "criticism"
  • Archival or Manuscript information, then use the search term "manuscripts"

Combining Search Terms

You can combine search terms to narrow your results to a specific topic. For example:

  • To find a biography of Madame de Sévigné, use the subject terms: "biography" and "Sevigne"
  • To find criticism on Georges Bataille's writing, use the subject terms: "Bataille" and "criticism"
  • To find a dictionary of a Creole dialect of French, use the terms: "dictionaries" and "Creole"

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