Library of Congress Manuscript Collections: Orientation and Research Strategies

The Manuscript Division at the Library of Congress is responsible for acquiring, processing, and providing access to manuscript material documenting American history and culture. These include over 72 million personal papers and organizational records from the pre-colonial era to today. Dive into the Library’s manuscript collections, and you will find a treasure trove of primary sources, from letters and diaries to photographs, maps, film scripts, unpublished writings, and notes. How can you access this wealth of information? What resources and services can assist you? This program provides an overview of the Manuscript Division’s physical and digital holdings with a focus on featured collection content and navigation and research strategies.