Many of the online collections from the Library of Congress include tools to help researchers, including student researchers, find what they need in the collection. Exploring those expert resources early in their research process can give students valuable context, a better understanding of what might be in the collection, and can help them decide whether or not to examine the collection further, reducing frustration and improving search results.
Though the available information varies by collection, collections typically include a tab “About this Collection” as well as the “Collection Items” tab. Some collections also have a tab of “Articles and Essays” for additional context. The left navigation of the “About…” page links to related resources, when available, and includes information about “Rights and Access.”
Featured Content, a carousel highlighting select items, is a prominent feature of the “About this Collection” pages. Students might browse the carousel to get a sense of the kinds of items in the collection, or they might select an item and examine it to glean information and to generate questions to inspire and focus additional research.
The “About…” tab also describes the scope of the collection, often including the timespan it covers as well as topics and people involved. This description might offer insights into the context of the time in which the collection was created and the point of view of the collectors or creators. For example, the information accompanying the Farm Security Administration – Office of War Information Photograph Collection notes that it was a project of the U.S. government and indicates that the project’s initial focus later expanded. The information accompanying the Clara Barton Papers notes that the collection includes both Barton’s personal papers and official records of the American Red Cross from her time as president of that organization. Understanding who created materials and for what purpose as well as understanding what a collection does and does not include can guide research decisions.
Content accessible on the “Articles and Essays” tab ranges from simple timelines to in-depth essays about one or more individuals or events related to the collection. Some collections include information about how the collection was created, samplers of selected items, or additional ways to explore the collection.
The Related Resources, available from the navigation menu on the left side of each “About the Collection” home page, vary in scope. Related Resources for a well-known figure, such as George Washington, might include lengthy lists of print and online materials from the Library of Congress and elsewhere. The list for a less-familiar figure, such as Mary Ann Bickerdyke, might be shorter, but will still offer shortcuts to reliable resources.
Let us know which collection tools your students find most useful!
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