- How do I find what I want?
- Why did you develop the new search?
- Which content is being searched?
- Why is the Web site included? Isn’t all of this content on the Web site?
- When will more sections of the site be added to this search?
- How long will this be available?
- Can I still search the old way? Will this replace other search applications on the Library’s site?
- Why are there differences between the results from this search and the results from direct searches of the sites that are included in this beta?
- What other features are planned?
- How do I find what I want?
Choose specific words for your search. If you are searching for an exact match enclose your search in quotes. If you enclose your search in quotes you will only get results for the exact terms or phrase you entered in the exact order they were entered.
View Search Help for more information. - Why did you develop the new search?
The Library of Congress Web site contains several large sections that, until now, could not be searched at the same time. This situation required users to know exactly which part of the site to visit to find what they wanted. With the Library’s new search, users can now search all of these areas at one time and don’t have to decide which section to search first. In addition, users who regularly visit only one section of the site can now discover resources from other areas in which they might be interested.
- Which content is being searched?
The new search includes some of the Library’s largest and most popular sections:
American Memory
American Memory provides access to more than 10.5 million digitized primary sources that document American history in the form of manuscripts, maps, prints, photographs, films, sound recordings, sheet music and other items. Most of the materials in American Memory are rare or unique to the Library of Congress. The site also contains materials from other institutions that have partnered with the Library.
Visit American Memory.Library of Congress Online Catalog
The Library of Congress Online Catalog contains more than 14 million bibliographic records for books, journals and periodicals, electronic resources, manuscripts, maps and cartography, music, prints and photographs, and sound recordings held by the Library of Congress. The Catalog also displays searching aids, such as cross-references and notes on Library of Congress subject headings.
Visit the Library of Congress Online Catalog.Prints & Photographs Online Catalog
The Prints & Photographs Online Catalog provides access to more than 1 million digital images (and descriptions for about 7 million more) documenting the history and culture of people, places and events in the United States and around the world. In some cases, only thumbnail images are available to those outside the Library of Congress campus because of potential rights considerations.
Visit the Prints and Photographs Online Catalog. THOMAS
THOMAS contains current and historical information on the U.S. Congress and its proceedings and is searchable through several ways. Access is provided to the legislative record, the full text of bills and resolutions, presidential nominations, the text of treaties, the Congressional Record and committee reports. Users can also learn about the legislative process and access materials for teachers such as lesson plans, activities and primary sources. Please note that the version of THOMAS included in this search is our new BETA version and not the current production system.
Visit THOMAS (BETA)Library of Congress Web Site
A search of the Library’s Web site will provide links to news, events and activities; exhibitions; Webcasts; sites such as the monthly Wise Guide magazine and the Library’s kids’ site, America’s Library; guides to the Library’s collections; research assistance; information about copyright; help for teachers; history of the Library and more.
Visit the Library of Congress Home Page. - Why is the Web site included? Isn’t all of this content on the Web site?
We refer to all of the content found under http://www.loc.gov as being on the Library’s Web site, but when it comes to searching all of that content it becomes a bit more complicated. The Library’s Web site contains hundreds of thousands of static Web pages and millions of items stored in databases. The search box at the top of the Library’s home page searches only those static Web pages (things like press releases, essays, exhibitions, collection guides, bibliographies, etc.). However, there are millions of other items (most of them primary sources) that have not been accessible via a simple Web site search (e.g., photographs, manuscripts, maps, newspapers, etc.). To access these items users would have to go to American Memory or the Prints & Photographs Online Catalog or other sections that contain these items. This new search feature will help you access content from all of these areas with one search.
- When will more sections of the site be added to this search?
This depends on feedback from you. We will closely monitor the response to this beta to determine how we can provide users with the best possible search experience.
- How long will this search be available?
We plan to provide access to the pilot for several months as we gauge the response. During this time all previously existing search services will continue to be available. We will provide notice when any existing search service will be completely replaced.
- Can I still search the old way? Will this replace other search applications on the Library’s site?
During this beta period all previously existing search services will continue to be available. We will provide notice when any existing search service will be completely replaced. The purpose of this new search tool is to expose users to resources from many areas of the Library. However, if you are certain you only want to search the Library’s Online Catalog or any of the other sources included in this search, you will experience greater search functionality from the individual sources themselves.
- Why are there differences between the results from this search and the results from direct searches of the sites that are included in this beta?
Users who search the separate sites (like American Memory, the Prints & Photographs Online Catalog, etc.) and compare results to the new search feature might see some differences. In order to achieve the goal of providing a more comprehensive search, new tools and technologies have been implemented that allow us to collect and present results from various search targets. The use of new tools can introduce differences between result sets. We will continue to improve this search experience and work to return the most relevant results.
- What other features are planned?
This depends on feedback from you. Please send us your comments or questions. Thank you for helping us to improve this service.
