Search Challenge

Often, Library of Congress patrons save digital primary sources but forget to note the exact title or the URL. This makes returning to the digital primary source to check on the date created or author very difficult. Search strategies will help to find the primary source.

Before searching, think about:

• Where would the item most likely be located? American Memory, Prints and Photographs, Exhibitions, or another place on the Library of Congress site.
  • Use clues like time period, location, and media format.
• Ask what search terms might bring up this item.
  • Look for words on the item and try those as search terms.
  • Is there a way to narrow or expand the results using search terms?
  • What synonyms might useful?
• Remember to use Gallery View if in American Memory or Preview Image if in Prints and Photographs to see thumbnails of the items.
• Once the image is found, remember to save the exact title and the permanent URL.

Click on an image below for the title and location of that image