Primary Source Designs for Learning Handbook

Chapter 3: Research with the Prints & Photographs Online Catalog (PPOC)

“Unique in their scope and richness, the prints and photographs collections today number more than 13.7 million images. These include photographs, fine and popular prints and drawings, posters, and architectural and engineering drawings. While international in scope, the collections are particularly rich in materials produced in, or documenting the history of, the United States and the lives, interests, and achievements of the American people.” Retrieved from Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, August 6, 2006.

This chapter focuses on the breadth of visual images that can be found through the Prints and Photographs Online Catalog. These resources are of particular interest to educators for illustrating ideas and expanding subject knowledge as well as helping students to develop visual literacy skills. The Explorations help Library patrons to find digitized collections of popular images organized by themes by the Prints and Photographs Reading Room.