Librarian in Training
Donna Hartman
Hello! I'm Donna and am currently a MSIS student studying Library Science with a concentration in Public Libraries. Jane Austen is one of my favorite authors, whose works are timeless and still just as relevant today. I hope this guide will assist you with your own research, whether for scholarly purposes or your own curiosity!
Introduction
Jane Austen (1775–1817) remains one of the most celebrated authors in English literature, known for her sharp social commentary, ironic narrative voice, and pioneering use of free indirect discourse. Her novels—Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Sense and Sensibility, and others—explore themes of class, gender, family, economic pressure, and personal growth, making them valuable texts for readers, literary scholars, and cultural historians. This guide provides a curated selection of resources to support research on Austen’s life, works, and broader cultural impact.
Designed for general readers, students, and researchers, the guide includes access points to reliable databases, scholarly books, peer-reviewed articles, reputable websites, and multimedia adaptations. Each resource is accompanied by an annotation that explains its scope, relevance, and unique contributions to Austen studies. Search strategies and database tips are included to help users navigate library systems and discover high-quality materials efficiently. Whether you’re writing a paper, preparing a class assignment, conducting sustained research, or simply exploring Austen’s world for personal interest, this LibGuide will provide the tools needed to locate authoritative, meaningful, and well-contextualized information.
