The Library of Congress >> Search Finding Aids (full view)

Interpreting Search Results and
Viewing Finding Aids

Interpreting Search Results

If multiple search terms are entered, the results screen reveals how many finding aids contain those words in the exact order in which they were entered (as a phrase); how many contain the words near each other; how many contain all of the words but not near each other; and how many contain any of the words. The list order is based on relevancy ranking criteria.

If a search returns only one finding aid, the full text of that finding aid will automatically be displayed. Links to the outline view (using frames) and to a PDF view for printing are available.

When a finding aid is displayed, the terms searched will be highlighted. These terms can be located by scrolling through the finding aid, or by performing a new search within the document using the web browser.

Selecting a View

Note the following when deciding among the outline view with frames, full view unframed, and PDF versions of the finding aids:

• The default outline view (HTML frames) can be viewed with any Web browser that supports frames; the browser need not support Java script. Text-only systems such as Lynx also display the finding aids reasonably well. Finding aids are delivered in "chunks" which speed loading search results, and provide easy navigation with and among finding aids and search results.
• The full view (non-framed HTML) can be viewed by any Web browser; printing the finding aid and keyword searching within the document are facilitated. On the other hand, very large finding aids may cause the browser to load them very slowly or cause the browser to crash.
• The PDF view can be used to print and view the finding aid using Adobe Acrobat Document format. The PDF file also normally loads more quickly than a very large HTML file.

Navigating the Finding Aid

Full HTML (non-framed view)

• At the top of the finding aid, the "item list" button returns you to the search results screen; "next" and "previous" move you to the next or previous finding aid in your search results. Click "new search" to return to the search page.
• The next line lists the number of the finding aid returned within the search list, along with a brief version of the collection title.
• Links permit you to select either the full view or framed HTML view or the PDF view as an alternative to the current display.
• A linking table of contents for the finding aid displays immediately after the title page of each finding aid.
• When an HTML finding aid is displayed, the terms searched will be highlighted. These terms can be located by scrolling through the finding aid, or by performing a new search within the document using the web browser.

PDF View

• Printing from the PDF view provides headers and footers for a more readable text.
• Links function within the finding aid; links to external files open within the browser window.
• This view includes a bookmark frame which provides easy navigation within the finding aid.