The WSU Libraries do not separate fiction and non-fiction like most public libraries do. Although it may seem like the Libraries only offer books related to academic courses, we actually have a wide array of fiction. And finding it is easier than you might think!
If you are looking for fiction in English, the second floor of Holland Library is where you need to be. British, Scottish, Irish, Australian and Canadian fiction is located in the PR range; fiction written in English by authors from the Caribbean, India, Asia, New Zealand, and Africa are also located there. American fiction is found in the PS range. Each author gets a call number of his or her own, which arranges the books in alphabetical order by author, technically. What makes browsing a little tricky is that works ABOUT the author are shelved along with the works BY the author, and also that the Library of Congress classification system subdivides authors by date, based on the year of their birth.
WSU has a particularly strong collection of science fiction, and many of these novels are shelved separately in their own area. Many mysteries are shelved here too. If you want to browse these collections, head for the PZ area on the second floor of Holland (shelf number 594). See Professor Paul Brians' guide to Science Fiction in Holland Library for more details about the collection.
Contemporary writers can be found in the following areas:
British:
PR 6031 - PR 6123 (Shelves 575-577)
Asian, African, Australian, Canadian and Caribbean:
PR9199 - PR9639 (Shelves 577-578)
American:
PS 3551 - PS 3626 (Shelves 585-589)
Use any of the sources listed below to browse for books that interest you. Many of these guides arrange fiction by genres, settings, and characters, and also provide "If you like ___, try ____" types of referrals. Some provide book reviews and information about new fiction and non-fiction works.
When you see something appealing, just cut and paste the title or author over into a Griffin search to see if WSU owns the item and to obtain call number and location information. If you have transportation or use Pullman Transit, you may also want to check the holdings of the Neill Public Library located in downtown Pullman. WSU students are welcome to sign up for a library card there. Neill Public Library has a reciprocal agreement with the Whitman County Library in Colfax and with the Latah County Library in Moscow. You are also eligible for library borrowing privileges at the University of Idaho Library.
If you need assistance, please ask for help at the Holland Reference Desk. Reference help is also available by phone and online. See WSU Libraries Reference Service for more details.