Getting started with research can be overwhelming. Here are a few places we recommend you start!
Check with the experts:
Research Guides - in-depth guides to our resources on a wide variety of topics. Formats include books, databases, journals, media, and external websites.
Research Centers - explore collections by reading room and research center. Review their collections and reach out for assistance directly.
Explore our online resources:
A to Z Databases - includes subscription databases and free resources. Please note that some subscription databases require you to be on-site for access.
Chronicling America - Access historic newspapers from all fifty states and DC.
Congress.gov - Explore current and historic information on bills, laws, and the legislative branch of the government.
Digital Collections - Access digital versions of some of our collections.
Today in History - Provides information and links to sources about a specific event in history.
Search our online catalog:
Our online catalog provides you with a record of materials in our physical collections. Use it to locate materials you want to access during an on-site visit with us.
Use catalog.loc.gov to reach our catalog webpage. A few tips:
- Before starting your search, take a moment to make a list of possible search terms.
- Use the "Search Options" button next to the magnifying glass to utilize the Browse and Advance Search options.
- Use the Browse Search option by subject (beginning with) and subject (containing) to connect your key words with our subject headings - a controlled vocabulary we use to catalog and index materials.
- Use the Advance Search option to connect two or more words/phrases and add filters like format or collection.
- Find an item that is of interest? On the item page, look to the right and find the subject headings listed. You can click on those to see what other items are listed under that same subject heading.
- Use "quotation marks" around phrases to pull two or more words together.
- Additional search tips can be found on the Library's Search Help page.
Need further assistance? No problem! Send us your question or request for materials in advance of your visit via Ask a Librarian. From the list, pick the option that best matches your question or topic. Fill out the form and submit it. Please allow 5 business days for a specialist to respond.