Classification systems organize library collections into subject-related categories, so similar topics will be grouped together on the shelf. There are three major classification systems, Dewey Decimal, Library of Congress, and Superintendent of Documents.

Dictionaries, grammar books, verb books, language textbooks (though textbooks for courses currently being taught at OSU would be on reserve in Room 105 of the Library) and other books for linguistic study of languages will be located in the 400s in the Dewey Decimal system.

Memoirs are usually found in 920-928.

The main genres are crime, fantasy, romance, science fiction, Western, inspirational, historical fiction, and horror.

Genre consists of four elements or parts: character, story, plot and setting. An equation for remembering the genre is: Story (Action) + Plot + Character + Setting = Genre. This becomes an easy way to remember the elements of a genre.

Literature can be classified into two main groups: Prose and poetry. In the works of many famous authors – including Shakespeare and Bronté – both poetry and prose are merged together, as there is no clear divide between the two.

The four main literary genres are poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and drama, with each varying in style, structure, subject matter, and the use of figurative language.

These sub-genres stem from the three primary forms of literature: Poetry, Drama, and Prose.

Examples of literary works:

• fiction.
• nonfiction.
• manuscripts.
• poetry.
• contributions to collective works.
• compilations of data or other literary subject matter.
• dissertations.
• theses.

Step 1: Search for relevant literature

1. Make a list of keywords. Start by creating a list of keywords related to your research question.
2. Search for relevant sources. Use your keywords to begin searching for sources.
3. Take notes and cite your sources.
4. Chronological.
5. Thematic.
6. Methodological.
7. Theoretical.
8. Introduction.

Oral literature is done through words and speaking, whereas written is through the written word. Written literature can be in the form of short stories, novels and prose whereas oral literature can be described as poems and bards.

An example of written is a book that an author created several years ago. The definition of written is words put down so that they can be read. An example of something written is a letter.

1. Written is the past participle of write. 2. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun] A written test or piece of work is one which involves writing rather than doing something practical or giving spoken answers.

Components of a Sentence Clearly written, complete sentences require key information: a subject, a verb and a complete idea. A sentence needs to make sense on its own. Sometimes, complete sentences are also called independent clauses. A clause is a group of words that may make up a sentence.