Search Tips

1. Searching the American Memory collections is challenging.
2. The search engine used for the American Memory collections is called InQuery.

3. When choosing search words, you may use key words or key word phrases. When typing in a phrase, put the most important word first. Use the synonym list for appropriate search terms.

4. After you have typed in your key words, and clicked on Search, the results will show the type of match or matches found. Exact matches will be listed first.

5. The key words you use for searching will show up in bold letters in the manuscripts, journals, and magazine articles. This should help to locate the information you are searching for in these documents.

6. Common words, such as AND, THE, and OF, are ignored in a search so you don't have to type them in with your key words. Punctuation and capitalization are not necessary.

7. If your search brings back too many records, choose more specific search words.

8. If your search returns too few records, choose less specific search words.

9. Be creative and persistent in your searches.

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