The Library of Congress
[American Memory]

Search Tips

Simple Search Strategies
Tips for New Users

Tips for Precision Searching
Choosing Search Words
Using Special Characters
Searching Textual Collections
Bibliographic Record Search Options
Full Text Search Options
How are the Results Listed?


Note: The search engine used on the American Memory database is currently licensed from Chiliad Publishing Incorporated.

Tips for New Users

Searching can be as simple as typing one or more words into the query box and clicking the SEARCH button.

It is wise to use as few options as possible until you are sure that you need to be more specific.

Too Many Hits Returned Too Few Hits Returned Formatting Search Words

When Searching for a Phrase

When Searching Textual Collections

Choose a Bibliographic Record Search for finding:

Choose a Full Text Search for finding:

See How to Use a Pull Down Menu if this is your first time using this type of display.

For more detailed information, see Tips for Precision Searching


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