The University of Sheffield
The University Library

Korean

Below is an outline checklist of the type of sources available in and from the University of Sheffield Library which you can use to locate information for your essay or dissertation. Always make a note of all the details of the references you find, i.e. author, title, publisher, place and date, and edition information. This will save you a great deal of time in the long run.

Korean Studies Collection

Located in the Western Bank Library on Level 3 (open access). Note that extras copies of many titles can be found in the Information Commons.

Subject coverage centres on:

  • Language and literature (20th c. onwards)
  • History and society (20th c. onwards)
  • Economy and business (20th c. onwards)
  • Government and politics (20th c. onwards)
  • Religion and philosophy

Bookstock

Approx 7,000 Korean language and 5,000 English language items.

Dictionaries

Language dictionaries at K Ref, with some duplicate copies in the Reading Room at J Dict. Subject dictionaries at K Ref. NB there are also dictionaries and reference works in the Information Commons in the main sequence.

Periodicals

Approx 200 Korean language and approx 75 English language titles. To find journal articles use the subject index to Korean language periodical articles: Munhon Moklok / Kyobo Mungo at WBL K Q 015.519 (Y).

Newspapers

The Choson Ilbo, the Korea Herald, the Korea Times, and other newspapers are available online. See the Newspapers section of:

To find books at Sheffield

It is extremely important to use the StarPlus catalogue to check locations of non-vernacular items, since material covering more than one country in East Asia is likely to be shelved in the ordinary WBL sequences.
To find items in Korean, search the StarPlus catalogue using McCune-Reischauer Romanisation.
The K prefix on the shelfmark indicates the Korean Studies Collection, both in English and Korean. These are kept on Level 3.

To find books in other libraries

National Library of Korea

To find books and journals in the Korea National Library, use this resource which comprises the monographs, journals and theses catalogue of Korea National Library.

Monash University: Asian Studies Research Collection

Searchable gateway from Monash University to find books and journals in overseas libraries.

Harvard University: Korea Institute

Searchable gateway from Harvard University to find books and journals in overseas libraries.
You may be able to apply for a copy of a book or an article via the International Document Supply Service.

Journal articles

Abstracting and indexing tools (or databases) can be used to find references to journal articles, and in some cases books, on subjects relating to East Asia. Useful databases are listed from the link below.
When you find a reference to an article which interests you, check whether the Library holds the journal issue concerned by clicking on the Holdings button at the top of the page, or on the Full text button if it is displayed. If it is not available in Sheffield, you may be able to apply for a copy via the Library's InterLibrary Request service.
InterLibrary request application forms can be acquired from the EAS office, and must be countersigned by your tutor. If so approved, the EAS office will issue the necessary authorization sticker. The form with sticker attached should then be taken to the counter in the Western Bank Library. Attach a photocopy of the source of reference wherever possible, particularly if the item is in Chinese, Japanese or Korean language.

Further information

For guidance on finding information on East Asia for bibliographies and indexes; encyclopaedias, subject dictionaries and handbooks; sources of economic and business information; and dissertations and conferences, see the PDF downloads box in the top right hand corner.