Web Review: Library of Congress

Content

The Library of Congress has a multitude of primary sources relating to the 1920s. There are 240,324 primary sources related to the 1920s. These sources are split into categories that describe what the source is. There are tens of thousands of photos, prints, drawings; newspapers, books/printed materials, periodicals, notated music, and manuscripts in each of the listed categories. There are thousands of web pages, legislation, maps, and films/videos in each of these categories. The Library of Congress has hundreds of audio recordings, events, and three dimensional objects in each category. Additionally, there are ninety-eight personal narratives, ninety-seven web archives, and four Library of Congress exhibitions. 

Creators

There are no specific creators. The items overall belong to the Library of Congress. However, the items belong to different organizations or collections which are indicated in categories titled “part of” and “contributor.” For 1920s primary sources, a majority of the items are part of the Library of Congress Online, Prints and Photographs Division, and Chronicling America. Library of Congress (Washington, D.C.), United States Congress, and National Archives and Records Administration are the biggest contributors to 1920s sources. Overall, the primary sources are from over ten thousand different collections, archives, historical societies, etc. 

Search Methods 

There is a search bar at the top right of the screen that a user can easily access. Additionally, one can narrow their search by categories. These categories are: original format (ex: newspaper, photography, map), online format (ex: image, PDF, video), date, location, collection, contributor, subject, and language. Each category has multiple options to refine a search. The dates have two components that can be used to refine a search. The years are split into ninety-nine year eras. These eras are then split into decades. The locations listed include country, state, city, county or even a specific building. The subjects vary because the sources vary. The top subjects of 1920s sources (out of four hundred sixty two total subjects) are: United States, Newspapers, and World War. There are one hundred forty eight languages that help a user refine their search.  

Trustworthiness

I think this site is trustworthy. The primary sources they display on their site has the necessary information for a citation and has a completed citation for each item. I do think it is important to note that the items on display belong to the Library of Congress and that other types of primary sources exist. No advertisements on any of the pages on this site also add to the Library of Congress’s credibility. 

Usefulness

This website contains numerous different types of primary sources. These primary sources can help a viewer understand different parts of life of the 1920s. For example, there are photographs of life in rural Massachusetts and life in France. There are also photographs of people living in different places, of different social classes, and ages. The primary sources are easily downloadable. These sources are also readily available for use in a paper or project because of the listing of citation information. The different categories that help to refine a search make looking for primary sources easy for any user.

Resource

Library of Congress, 1920s primary sources.