Web Smarts

January 4, 2000

www.loc.gov

WHAT: If you're on a hunt for bibliographic information - or simply want to explore some fascinating documents from American history - this site, belonging to the Library of Congress in Washington, is worth a visit.

BEST POINTS: The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world - with more than 115 million items, and approximately 10,000 new items added each day - so chances are, you'll find what you're looking for (although you must go to the library itself to access the collection). But beyond the library's catalogue, the Web site also offers a wide range of online exhibits, which are full of interesting information. Subjects include Sigmund Freud, Frank Lloyd Wright, and the Declaration of Independence, among many others. Viewers can see photographs and read original manuscripts, accompanied by a lively and informative text. The site's "Learning page" offers lesson plans for teachers on topics such as the African-American experience, the Civil War, and the Depression. There are also some fun games for students, such as a historical "detective" game that asks the viewer to find clues in photographs and documents.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: While anyone over high school age may use the collection in the library itself, anyone at all may use the Web site, which is free of charge.