LibGuides: REL 350: Apocalypse: Start

Overview

Your research for this course will take you in a few different directions, depending on the text you're studying. In addition to the suggestions on this page, be sure to visit the Biblical Studies tab (above). While many biblical studies resources focus primarily on canonical texts, several also include noncanonical texts.

Tracking down hard copies of sources is often a complex process, for a variety of reasons. There are also a variety of ways to track down the paper copy of an article or book, depending on how you first locate the citation. Use the Tracking Down Materials tab (above) for tips and instruction.

While the resources on this page are geared specifically to your research paper, you may also want to consult the library research guide for Religion. You are also more than welcome to email me at any time with research questions - my contact information is below my picture. Finally, you can chat with me or any librarian during Reference Desk hours.

Finding Articles

The most appropriate database for your research is the ATLA Religion database (linked below, along with a few others that might be useful). Note that in addition to keyword searching, you can click on Scriptures (on the search bar at the very top of the screen) and then click on biblical books and specific chapters to find relevant articles.

For help finding the full text of articles, consult the Tracking Down Materials tab above (or email Julie).

ATLA Religion Database with ATLA Serials Plus
The premier index to journal articles, book reviews, and collections of essays in all fields of religion. More than 450 journal articles are provided in full text. As of 2018, includes the content of the former Catholic Periodicals & Literature Index.
Old Testament Abstracts
New Testament Abstracts

Reference Works

In addition to the many reference works listed under the Biblical Studies tab, here are a few others that will be useful:

Encyclopedia of Apocalypticism REF BL501 .E53 1998
This three volume set provides a thorough and comprehensive look at apocalypticism throughout history. Each volume contains detailed essays written by experts and arranged around broad topics. Volume 1: The origins of apocalypticism in Judaism and Christianity. Volume 2: Apocalypticism in Western history and culture.
Volume 3. Apocalypticism in the modern period and the contemporary age.
Encyclopedia of the Dead Sea Scrolls REF BM 487 .E53 2000
Published by Oxford University Press, this two volume set covers all aspects of the discovery, study and impact of the scrolls.

Finding Books in Our Library & Beyond

The Gustavus library contains a number of excellent books on your topics. There are several ways you can find books, in addition to doing a keyword search in the catalog.

Search by Subject Heading
- Subject headings are standard words or phrases assigned to books based on their topics. The important thing to remember is that you can search using subject headings in the library catalog.
- When you find a book in the catalog that is particularly useful, click on the title to view the full record. Look at the Subjects field & click on any relevant terms to find other books with the same subject heading
- And/Or - if you have known subject headings, search for them in the catalog - set the field to Subject. Relevant subject headings include "Apocalyptic literature" and "Dead Sea scrolls." Also look for subject headings related to specific texts; these are usually structured like this: "Bible Daniel Commentaries"
Search for Commentaries
- To look for commentaries on a specific text, use the Advanced Search screen in the library catalog. Enter the name of the biblical book in one search box. In a separate search box, enter the word "commentaries" and then set the field to search to Subject.

The Library of Congress Classification System, which we use to shelve books in our library, arranges books according to topic. Here are the most relevant call number areas related to your topics. You can go to the shelves and browse to find related materials.

BM: Judaism

BS: Biblical Studies, with books relating to Genesis starting at BS1225 and continuing sequentially to the end of the BS section

BT: Doctrinal Theology, see especially Eschtology in BT819-BT891

Our new library catalog makes it easy to find and request books at other libraries. It's automatically searching both our books and books at other libraries. When you find books that aren't at Gustavus, click the title; you'll be taken to the full record. From here, look for the option to request the book from another library.

Log on with you Gustavus user name & password and follow the prompts to complete the request. More information can be found on the Tracking Down Materials tab above or on the Interlibrary Loan page. If you get stuck, please email me.

Librarian

Julie Gilbert

Contact:

Hello! I'm on sabbatical during the 2020-2021 academic year. If you have a question about research, an assignment, or the library, please contact any of the reference librarians at folke@gustavus.edu or via the Ask Us! button on the library's homepage.

Subjects:English, Political Science, Scandinavian Studies

Ask Us!

Fall 2020 reference (research) help:

Chat with a librarian (M-Th 10:30-4:30; Friday 10:30-2:30)
E-mail: folke@gustavus.edu (please include your name and the best way to contact you)
Use this online request form to schedule an appointment for a one-on-one consultation with a librarian.