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

Interpreting Search Results and
Viewing Finding Aids

Interpreting Search Results

• If a search term is found in more than one finding aid, and the default button to organize by "relevancy" has been selected, a results screen will indicate the number of finding aid sections containing that term and will list the finding aids and the sections in which search term/s were found. The list gives the title of the finding aid, identifies the custodial unit within the Library of Congress that holds the collection, and states the size of the collection and the file size of the finding aid.
• The list order is based on relevancy ranking criteria; if multiple search terms are entered, the results screen lists finding aids which contain those exact words first, followed by those which contain the words near each other, then those which contain all of the words but not near each other. Note that different sections of the same finding aid may be listed separately based on their individual relevancy.
• If a search term is found in more than one finding aid, and the organize by "finding aid" button has been selected, a results screen will indicate the number of finding aid sections containing that term and will list each finding aids with all sections in which search term/s were found. The list gives the title of the finding aid, identifies the custodial unit within the Library of Congress that holds the collection, and states the size of the collection and the file size of the finding aid.
• If a search returns only one finding aid, the full text of that finding aid will automatically be displayed in HTML format. Links to the "full view" (unframed HTML) and "PDF view" (viewable with Adobe Acrobat Document) are available.

Selecting a View

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

• The default outline version (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 version (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

Outline HTML (framed view)

• In the top frame, the "item list" button returns you to the search results screen; "next" and "previous" move you to the next or previous finding aid section in your search results. Click "new search" to return to the search page, and "help" to visit this page.
• In the navigation frame (left frame), clicking on the words in the table of contents moves the view in the right content frame to that portion of the finding aid. Clicking on a blue arrow facing right will expand the content listing to display its subordinate parts. To collapse an expanded listing, click on the blue arrow, which now points down.
• In the content frame (right frame), the top line lists the number of the finding aid section returned within the search list, along with a brief version of the collection title. Navigation buttons lead you to the next (or previous) section of the finding aid currently being displayed, and offer the option of selecting the full HTML view (see above). At the end of each content frame section, an navigation button allows you to return to the next and/or previous section, if appropriate.
• 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.

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 framed HTML view or 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.