Exploration 3: Understanding How Patrons Use Library Search Boxes

Understanding Goal

A variety of materials are available in different LOC.gov areas to match patron needs.

Investigative Question

With so many search options at LOC.gov , how do you choose where to search?

Visitor patrons are often looking for primary sources with a description that identifies the primary source and offers some background information.  Visitors often learn about a topic using a general search term.  For example:

Sample search terms	Sample search boxes to try
American Revolution	Home Page
Weather	Today in History
Music	Exhibitions
Poetry	America’s Library

Researcher patrons are searching for primary sources with or without background information related to specific terms. Researchers answer a specific investigative question using specific search terms and synonyms.  For example:

Sample search terms	Sample search boxes to try
Bunker Hill, Colonel William Prescott	American Memory
Tornado damage, Severe weather	Prints and Photographs
Jazz musicians, Louis Armstrong	Research Centers

Docent patrons use both visitor and researcher search skills to locate a variety of materials that can be used to support a hypothesis. Docents use both types of searches to find information to support their hypothesis.

Patron Actions

1. Try a general search term such as “American Revolution” in each search box linked in the table above.
2. Try a specific search term like “Gettysburg Address” in all of the search boxes.
3. Think about: What does this confirm for you about choosing a search box on the Library of Congress Web site?
4. Choose an Orientation Activity to build a big picture of the resources available at LOC.gov. The novice level has specific exploration directions, the experienced level offers guidance, and the advanced level is a tool to begin research.