1. What are the American Memory Online Collections?
   
   
2. Will you be putting all of the resources from the Library of Congress on the Internet?
   
   
3. Are new collections coming?
   
   
4. How does the Library of Congress choose what materials become part of the American Memory digital collections?
   
   
5. How do I view or listen to American Memory Collections? Do I need extra software known as plug-ins or helper applications? Where do I learn about them? Where can I get them?
   
   
6. How do I cite these and other online sources in reports and projects for school?
   
   
7. Web addresses for specific American Memory items (pictures, maps, documents, motion pictures, sound files) seem to change. How can I cite an address or make a link to a specific item?
   
   
8. May I use the pictures and other items I find in American Memory in my school report, Web page, or multimedia presentation? What are the copyright rules here? Do any other restrictions apply?
   
   
9. Can I order reproductions of American Memory material? What formats are available?
   
   
10. May I link to the Learning Page or American Memory?
    
    
11. I found a "broken" link, a spelling mistake, or something else that isn't quite right. Will you fix it?
    
    
12. How do I search for things in the Learning Page and in American Memory?
    
    
13. What else does the Library of Congress have online that schools can use?
    
    
14. Where can I go for more help?
    
    

1. What are the American Memory Online Collections?

   The American Memory collections are digitized documents, photographs, recorded sound, moving pictures, and text.





2. Will you be putting all of the resources from the Library of Congress on the Internet?

   No. Of the millions of books, photographs, prints, drawings, manuscripts, maps, sound recordings, and moving pictures held by the Library, only a small fraction are in digital form. Most of these are available in the American Memory collections. The American Memory program focuses on digitizing the Library's unique holdings in American history and culture.





3. Are new collections coming?

   Yes. A list of future collections is available online.





4. How does the Library of Congress choose what materials become part of the American Memory digital collections?

   Library of Congress curators, subject specialists, and digital project coordinators carefully select items that will be of greatest value to students, researchers, and educators. Selection is based on cultural and historical content, expected demand, and the ability of current technology to capture the material.





5. How do I view or listen to American Memory Collections? Do I need extra software called plug-ins or helper applications? Where do I learn about these tools? Where can I get them?

   Although there are many photographs and documents that need no plug-ins for listening or viewing, it is recommended that you optimize your web browser and download the helper applications that give you the fullest access to the materials. For information on what helper applications or plug-ins are required, visit the American Memory Viewer Information page.





6. How do I cite these and other online sources in reports and projects for school?

   Materials available on the Library of Congress web site include: films; legal documents; maps; recorded sound; photographs and drawings; special presentations; and texts. Visit the How to Cite Electronic Sources page to view examples of citation format for such materials.





7. Web addresses for specific American Memory items (pictures, maps, documents, motion pictures, sound files) seem to change. How can I cite an address or make a link for them?

   It is possible to make links to specific items in American Memory. Visit the Linking and Bookmarking page for step-by-step instructions.





8. May I use the pictures and other items I find in American Memory in my school report, Web page, or multimedia presentation? What are the copyright rules here? Do any other restrictions apply?

   You certainly may use American Memory items in projects. Many, but not all, American Memory items are in the public domain, which means they are not protected by copyright law. In some cases the copyright has expired, while in others a federal government employee on the job created the item. Generally, you may use public domain materials without permission, but you still must cite them properly. Each American Memory collection has a "Copyright and Other Restrictions" section linked on its home page, which gives details on specific copyright information for the collection. Your teacher can help you decide how much of your report or Web page has to be original and how much you can quote from sources like American Memory. For more information, consult the following resources: The Learning Page Copyright Page, American Memory's Notice and Restriction Statements, and the U.S. Copyright Office.





9. Can I order reproductions of American Memory material? What formats are available?

   Yes, you may order reproductions of American Memory materials in just about every format you could want. Visit the Learning Page Ordering Reproductions page for more information.





10. May I link to the Learning Page or American Memory?

    Yes, we welcome links to these Web sites. You may also use the icons in American Memory. However, we ask that links not give the impression that the Library of Congress or American Memory is endorsing any particular product, service, or Web site. If you link to our site, please send us a comment.





11. I found a "broken" link, a spelling mistake, or something else that isn't quite right. Will you fix it?

    We appreciate it when our audience lets us know about features of the Learning Page that are not working properly. When you find something that is not working, please send us a note on the Learning Page Error Report form and we will fix it as soon as possible.





12. How do I search for things in the Learning Page and in American Memory?

    Visit the How to Search pages of the Learning Page for tips, tricks, and suggestions for searching the Library of Congress Web sites.





13. What else does the Library of Congress have online that schools can use?

    Visit the More Educational Resources page to learn of other educational sites from the Library of Congress, which are outside the Learning Page that would be of interest to educators and students. Additional sites of interest include:
    

    THOMAS - Full text of bills pending and passed by Congress, historical documents, and the legislative process.

    Country Studies - 100 full-text, illustrated guides, featuring one or more countries each.

    Exhibitions - A wide variety of American and international materials presented in museum-like exhibits.

    Internet Resources - Links to reliable online resources arranged by topic.

    Reading Rooms and Reference Centers - Guidance for research, and valuable Web links in the areas of research most relevant to each reading room.

    The Library's Online Catalog - The largest Internet-accessible library catalog in the world.





14. Where can I go for more help?

    Please limit your questions to those related to the Learning Page. Many questions on American history can be answered with resources available at local public and school libraries.

    To send us a question, comment, or suggestion, please complete our Questions and Comments form. If your browser does not display forms, you can contact us by email at learningpage@loc.gov. If you would like a reply, include your email address.