Explore books that the library has on your topic by searching the library catalog, which simultaneously searches across all library's resource types (print, ebooks, journal articles, etc.). You can limit searches only to books by using the advanced search. 

An enjoyable way of discovering a book is by browsing the library's stacks by call number range. Each call number range represents a particular subject and all of the books on the same topic will be located in the same general area on the shelves.

The books on Jefferson are classified in the E332 call number range, which are on Lower Level 2 of Leyburn.  

You may also virtually browse the library's collection of material on Jefferson through a subject search on Jefferson, Thomas 1743 - 1826. 

One of the methods you can use to determine if a book can be considered "scholarly" is to check reviews of the book in published sources, particularly in journal articles.  You can use any of the databases on this guide to find review, by creating a search

•  for the title of the book or
•  some combination of the author's name and the book title.

The library catalog, Academic Search Complete and JSTOR are good sources for identifying book reviews. In some cases, book reviews often contain good material and even pointers to other scholarly books for comparison. 

Consider the author(s).

• Does the book contain any information about the author's or contributor's background and career?  Role as academic/scholar?  Expertise in the subject area?  Publishing history?   It might be helpful to Google information about the author/contributor.

Consider the publisher.

• University presses (example: University of Virginia Press) certainly qualify. Often, you can identify a university press by the words in its name. If you're not sure, consult the membership directory of the Association of University Presses.

Consider methodology.

• Does the book contain extensive endnotes, bibliography, footnotes, and/or other signs of scholarly methods?  Are there references to primary sources and/or extensive references to earlier scholarly sources?

Consider others' judgments.

• Are you able to find favorable reviews of the book in scholarly sources?