Welcome to the Library of Congress Electronic Resources Pages
Electronic resources are generally considered to be Internet-based or World Wide Web versions of print journals, newspapers, magazines, books, manuals, and other materials. The Library of Congress collection contains over 200 such databases, with new databases added regularly. These range from indexes and abstracts for magazines and scholarly journals, to full text resources. Many databases cover specific disciplines or areas of study; others are general or multidisciplinary. However, please bear in mind that the Library's electronic resource collection contains only a fraction of the rich and varied materials held by the Library of Congress. Our extensive collections include original manuscripts, photographs, instruments, maps, and literally millions of other items. Use the Web to supplement your research efforts, but do not ignore the unique and comprehensive collections held by the Library of Congress. Finally, electronic resources come in different permutations. Some do not date back as far as their print counterparts, while others have content only available digitally. Please consult library staff for help in choosing the right database or the best source for your research.
Databases and Electronic Journal Features
Access to subscription databases is available from any of the public work stations in the Reading Rooms, although there are a few databases that you can use only from a particular Reading Room.
Database descriptions typically include:
- Resource name
- Brief overview of the contents
- Range of years covered
- Update frequency
- Link to the other formats of the edition or title (print, microform, etc.) found in the Library of Congress catalog
- Related subscription databases and/or publicly available sites
Some databases cover numerous subject areas and can be found on the General Databases / Multidisciplinary page; if you are unsure where to begin your research, start with one of these databases. Or you can search database descriptions and titles by using the keyword Database Finder. Please be aware however that not all databases have the same save, print, download, or e-mail options. Also, many resources provide only abstracting and indexing for journals, while others contain full text or are partially full-text. The amount of full-text depends on the publisher, individual journal, and year of publication. For example, in some databases the full-text of the most recent journal issues may not be accessible (an embargo period), or only recent years may be in full-text with just the citation available for older articles. Moreover, Library of Congress work stations do not have any supporting software for word-processing, spreadsheets, or even viewing data on your disc. And please use the logoff or exit buttons on those databases where these appear so others may use the resources after you have finished.
If you want to find full text electronic journals, use Serials Solutions, TDNet or EZB.
Many of the databases also provide additional links to full text resources
or Library of Congress holdings. In the citation, look for the Find It!
button 
.
See the following links for onsite help:
- Find It! FAQ
- How Find It! Works
- Find It! Article Finder - Use this form when you have a citation and you want to find the full text.
- Find It! Feedback
Although most e-journals have coverage dating back to the early 1990s (and some have delays that make the most recent issues unavailable), there are some exceptions. For example, many JSTOR and Project Muse titles date back to the early part of the 20th century, and there are historical collections, including full text newspapers, that cover the 19th century. Where the full text is not included, please consult the Library of Congress Online Catalog to see if the Library of Congress owns the title in a different format (print or microform).
Current copyright laws and licensing agreements limit the Library of Congress from providing access to its subscription electronic journals and databases to anyone not on site at the Library. However, the subject pages also contain selected links to public sites recommended by subject specialists at the Library.
Assistance and Classes
Please ask Library staff at any time if you need help or have questions about the Library's collections or how to use the databases. Many of the Reading Rooms have provided online guides to their collections:
You can also check the Especially for Researchers and Information for Researchers pages for guidance on using the Library. Information on how to request materials from the stacks is available on the Collections Access, Loan and Management Division page. An introduction to the facilities and resources of the Library, as well as brochures describing the Library's reading rooms, collections, and services, can be found at the Visitors' Center on the ground floor of the Jefferson Building and the Information Desk in the lobby on the first floor of the Madison Building. Furthermore, Research Orientation to the Library of Congress courses taught by reference librarians are conducted on a regular basis.
