Exploration 11: Building Library of Congress Search Plans

http://lcweb2.loc.gov/pp/pphome.html

Library of Congress searching is similar to constructing a building. You begin with materials (search terms). Then you have to think of how to put the materials together (where to search, synonyms, and the best combination of words).

Using a building plan leads to quick and accurate construction (planning leads to quicker and more effective searching).  

Before beginning a search, in Prints and Photographs, go to the image collections on poplar topics (http://www.loc.gov/rr/print/list/listguid.html) to see if your topic has a collection of items waiting for you.

Build a Search Plan

1. Topic: ________________ 
2. Why are you searching in PPOC instead of American Memory or Exhibitions?
3. First key words you think of: _________________________________
4. Think broader, write down a few more general key words. ______________________________________________________________
5. Think smaller, write down a few very specific names, dates, places, and subject related to your topic.
   _____________________________________________________________

6. Think about synonyms, what kinds of word were used in the time period you are exploring, what other words could be used to describe your key words?

     ______________________________________________________________

7. Use all of these different search terms in your research. Always save the exact title of items that interest you. The exact title is located in bold under the thumbnail picture of the item on the bibliographic record.

Tips for researchers:

• Make sure to check the Lists of Images on Popular Topics.
  Many collections of items exist to save you search time.
• Search American Memory for your topic, too.
• Go back to the LOC Visitor’s Search Guide (p.13). There may be valuable resources for your topic in Exhibitions, Learning Page, and many other places.
  

Photo credit: John Neilson House (this is part of the exact title –to find this item, copy and paste this into the search box in the Prints and Photographs Online Catalog) Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, HABS [or HAER].