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Workshop Overview Introduction to Searching American Memory combines a tour of the collections, including samples from the different media formats, with basic search strategies and tips for successful searching. Course Activities are designed to be self-help and self-paced, so educators can fit workshop activities into their own schedules. Periodically during the year, the workshop is offered online over three weeks, supplemented by discussions with Library facilitators. The course is divided into four parts: getting to know American Memory and its features for finding information; searching descriptive or bibliographic information; searching the full text of documents; and summarizing what you have learned. The majority of the workshop centers on the types of collections and the ways they may be searched. Objectives Participants will: understand the general size and scope of American Memory collections; develop a working knowledge of the types of finding aids available in American Memory; and gain skill in searching the archival collections of American Memory. Making the Most of the Workshop Searching is best learned with practice and comparing findings and observations with others. The workshop is composed of hands-on activities. You will explore American Memory, have extended practice with various types of collections and methods of searching, and develop search strategies, all of which will help you structure lessons involving searching with students. To begin: Bookmark the activity page before going into the American Memory collections. After sampling the collections, you'll need the bookmark to return! Print out the activity page and use it as your personal learning log. Do the exercises. Make notes (especially where you see this notebook) about what you discover in searching. Compare your findings with a colleague or your school media specialist. If in doubt, email our reference librarian at ndlpedu@loc.gov. Warning! American Memory collections are addictive! There are many wonderful and interesting things to discover in the collections. You will want to bookmark these, but you can't without detailed instructions (technology constraints). Instead, make a note of the caption and collection for a speedy search after you finish your activity! After you are familiar with searching the collections, go to How to Use Library of Congress Resources on the Learning Page for detailed information on linking and bookmarking items. Workshop with Facilitated Discussions The workshop is offered for three weeks and moves to different topics each week, although all discussion lists remain available for comments throughout the workshop. Library facilitators constantly monitor the discussions and answer questions, offer suggestions and tips for searching, and help uncover treasures in the collections. Participants work through the activities assigned for the week, then post responses in the associated discussion. Each discussion has a general focus relating to the activity and building on previous activities' findings. To participate in the discussions: Use notes from the activity to respond to the Discussion question. Incorporate your answers to "Points to Ponder" segments of the activity. Check the discussions often to see what other participants have contributed. Offer suggestions to others, try to find what other participants have found, and share your frustrations and successes. The extra value of the workshop comes in comparing the results with other participants, since each person will have a unique experience. Check in Technical Help Desk for more information on using the Discussion area. We know the technology may be new to you, and want to help you have a wonderful workshop experience.

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Last updated 09/26/2002