Often a physical book on an author, or a article of criticism, is useful.  Although you cannot check these books out, you may use the photocopier for free or take a picture of the page.  Remember you will need the book's ISBN to create the citation!

Try these:

• Great American Writers-20th Century  call number:  R/810.9/GRE
• Magill's Survey of American Literature  call number:  R/810.9/MAG
• Modern American Literature  call number:  R/810.9/MOD
• Novels for Students  call number:  R/810.9/NOV
• The Oxford Encyclopedia of American Literature  call number:  R/810.9/OXF
• Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction  call number:  R/809.3/BEA
• Literature and Its Times  call number:  R/809.93/LIT
• American Writers  call number:  R/810.9/AME
• Identities and Issues in Literature  call number:  R/810.9/IDE
• Short Stories for Students  call number:  R/809.31/SHO
• American Literature  call number:  R/810.9/AME
• Thematic Guide to the American Novel  call number:  R/813.009/ADA
• American History Through Literature  call number:  R/810.9/AME
• Gale Contextual Encyclopedia of American Literature  call number:  R/810.9/GAL