Introducing loc.gov: Orientation and Research Strategies

The Library of Congress is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution and serves as the research arm of Congress. It is also the largest library in the world, with over 134.5 million books, recordings, photographs, maps, and manuscripts in its collections. It collects in over 470 languages, with materials ranging from rare cuniform tablets to born digital materials. Through its Web site, it provides access to resources, services, and over eleven million of its multimedia primary sources.

How can you access this wealth of information? What resources and services can assist you? This orientation will provide an overview of what's available, provide strategies for accessing the materials, and introduce you to the resources created by staff to further your research into the Library's collections.

The Digital Reference Section conducts a one-hour monthly orientation via webinar. Throughout the program, there are opportunities to ask questions, try various search tools, sample the multimedia primary source materials online, and become familiar with the digital formats on the site.

When: The orientation is conducted monthly, 11 am - 12 noon, Eastern time.

Where: Online via webinar. The conference Web address and password will be emailed within the week prior to the orientation.

Registration: Use the Participant Registration Form.

Technology Requirements: Participants must have access to an Internet-connected computer with speakers or a headset. A microphone or headset with attached microphone is optional but useful.

For more information or to request an orientation session for your group, contact the Digital Reference Section via the Ask A Librarian form at http://www.loc.gov/rr/askalib/ask-digital.html.