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AFST 366: Modern African-American Writers

Finding Literature

Searching from the Libraries catalog, PRIMO, will get you started with finding literature for your research.

Pro search tips: 

  • Searching for work by your creator? In advanced search, search for his name with the "Author/creator" field selected.
  • Searching for work about your creator? In advanced search, search for his name with the "Subject" field selected.
  • W&M Libraries contains a large percentage of ebooks, but don't let that stop you from looking for physical books, too! Browsing the library stacks in the section related to your topic can be a wonderful way to discover books on your topic that didn't come up in a catalog search.
Advanced Search

Use WorldCat when you can't find what you want through Swem! It searches article databases and library catalogs from libraries all over the world. Request items through Interlibrary Loan with one click using the "FindIt@WM" button.

Finding Film

Not everything is on Netflix or other streaming services, especially when it comes to African-American film! The Libraries has some films, which you can find by searching from the Libraries homepage for Books & Media (aka our catalog).  

  • Try searching for the creator's last name in Advanced Search, using either the Author/Creator or Subject fields.
  • Try searching for the titles of films in Advanced Search, using the Title field
  • Try searching our Streaming Video databases for films. NOTE: We have a trial of the database Kweli.tv that is specifically for media from Africa and the diaspora until the end of Black History month (Feb. 29).
  • If those don't appeal to you, you can request another film on DVD through Interlibrary Loan (free account setup required first)--it doesn't cost you anything.