This book introduces Germanists to the mechanics and methodology of modern library research. It explains the use of various bibliographic access systems, providing step-by-step search strategies to the most modern computerized data bases for the whole field of German studies.

This book will help students of German language, literature, and civilization to develop their skills in using the resources and services of college and university libraries. Not restricted to the traditional study of German language and literature, the book also guides the student over the bibliographic terrain of German history; prehistory and folklore; philosophy and religion; and art, music, and cinema. Dr. Richardson begins with a practical overview of bibliographic access systems--catalogs, indexes, abstracts, and bibliographies--and of basic search strategies for effective library research, An annotated bibliography, the largest section of the book, describes the most important research tools in German studies, as well as representative examples of specialized resources needed by the advanced scholar. The book concludes with a review of supplementary resources, including books about German reference works, books on how to write research papers, and data bases for computerized literature searches. Appendixes list library classification systems and subject headings for German studies.