Having quick reference to the definition of elusive words is an absolute must for any English major. The following sites contain much more than just the meaning of words, though. With etymologies and histories, synonyms and antonyms, and even word use in both classic and contemporary works, these websites will not only increase your vocabulary but also your understanding and usage of the the English language.

Arguably one of the most important collections of knowledge in the world, the Library of Congress is a pivotal resource for written works, digitally preserved art, various historical references, and Americana and other national treasures that define the United States.  

If you cannot locate materials through the Myrin Library databases and catalog, you may have luck consulting online resources. The following are a list of useful websites where books and articles can be freely accessed:

• Google Books
  • While most selections on this site are just previews of larger books for sale, a detailed search can turn up whole texts, or at the very least portions of text which are still relevant to your research.  Google Books offers bibliographical data and page numbers.
• Project Gutenberg
  • Primarily hosting public domain material, the purpose of Project Gutenberg is to preserve classical literature so that future generations may enjoy these works.
• Bartleby
  • Similarly, Bartleby provides free access to numerous classics, as well as famous works of philosophy and science, such as Gray's Anatomy. Bartleby also prides itself in cataloging the works of great poets and other masters of the English language.
• American Memory
  • Hosted by the Library of Congress, this site is much more than an archive of books and poetry, but also a collection of Americana dating back decades and centuries. Vital pieces of history, including advertisements, architectural blueprints, legal documents, histories of wars, and presidential elections are all available for the sake of learning and sharing the culture of the United States.