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Language and Literature Resources in the General Research Division: About

Introduction

The New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is home to one of the largest Humanities and Social Sciences research collections in the United States, making it an essential research hub for researchers, scholars and students. This guide aims to simplify the vast Language and Literature collection of the General Research Division by highlighting leading resources related to general literature including- dictionaries, biographies, indexes, collected works, anthologies, literature criticism and electronic resources. It will primarily focus on digitalized material, while also providing print options when available. It aims to present a starting point for researchers before proceeding to the Library's more specialized collections.

                                              Image of the Rose Main Reading Room open shelf

                                                         Rose Main Reading Room, room 315

Reference Librarians

Accessibility for Print Disabilities

For researchers with print disabilities, the Library has resources and services available upon request. The following services are available:

Digitization of Select Research Materials

Researchers who are homebound or have a print disability or visual impairment can explore many of our research collections online and request digitization of specific items of interest. To request the digitization service, email accessibility@nypl.org. Please note that you must be a patron of the Andrew Heiskell Library. This digitization service only includes material belonging to the research collections and does not apply to branch/circulating collections. 

Screen Readers and Enlargers 

Every public PC at all New York Public Library locations is equipped with JAWS screen reading software and MAGic software for enlarging the screen, changing colors and contrast, and screenreading. 

Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library

The Andrew Heiskell Library offers popular reading materials in accessible audio and braille formats, as well as free membership to the Bookshare database of over one million accessible texts. It also offers individual coaching and a large variety of group workshops on topics related to accessible technology. Check the listings on our website, call 212-206-5400, or email talkingbooks@nypl.org for details. It also hosts many networking groups, resource fairs, writing workshops, accessible art workshops, book clubs, and other events. All are listed in the quarterly newsletter, available by email, website (text or audio), or over the phone.