Poets and Poetry

Oct 17, 2022

Your poetry assignment will differ depending on which teacher assigns the work.

The following information will help you locate:

- biographical information on your poet(s) of choice.

- poetry anthologies

- and, the correct format for your Works Cited page.

American Poetry - 811s
Canadian Poetry - 819s
English / British Poetry - 821s (This section includes Major Poets such as Donne, Keats, Shelley, Wordsworth, etc.)
International Poets - search your poet's name in VSB Library for the correct Dewey classification.

Search VSB LIBRARY by "Author Keyword" to locate poems written by specific poets.

Check the poetry anthologies that contain the poems.
Sometimes there is biographical information in the same book.
Check a General Encyclopedia.
Well-known poets will be listed and the information usually provides a good introduction to your poet.
Search VSB LIBRARY for your poet. Works by a poet are shelved in the 800 section. Biographical information will be in the 920s or 921s.
Consult the Reference shelves for general Literature Dictionaries (800 - 890).

Remember: You need to log in to see the databases.

Note: You will need your VPL card to access most of the online resources.

How to find the resources for Literature

Click on "Digital Library".
Click on "Research Guides". Then scroll down to find "Fiction and Literature" link.
Scroll down and select the "Poetry" tab.
Then select the resource you prefer from those provided.

or Go directly to that page click on LITERATURE GUIDES AT VPL.

Consult the Citing Resources - MLA format guide in the How To section of this site.

An example of a proper Poetry Works Cited.pdf page.