General Search Tips

When searching for materials related to architecture and architectural history in the Library of Congress Online Catalog and in other repositories, there are several strategies and to keep in mind.

When searching for architecture-related material on specific homes or historic buildings, remember that street names have changed over the years. Try searching for nearby locations, neighborhoods, or prominent landmarks to help you, especially for image and map research.
Try specific architect names, such as "Olmsted" or "Pei". Consider variations in spellings if having trouble retrieving results.
Knowing other names of prominent persons and companies from the period of your research may help you find relevant collections.
Search "architect" as a SUBJECT in the advanced search option.
Search our online finding aids for related names and architectural projects.

Using Library of Congress Subject Headings

Authorized subject headings can be useful when searching in online catalogs. Subject headings include standardized topics, names, places, titles, and forms/genres of material. The linked subject headings below will perform searches in the Library's online catalog.

Architecture.
Note: Here are entered works on the design and style of structures. Works on the process of construction are entered under "Building." General works on structures or edifices are entered under "Buildings."
Note: This heading is subdivided by place for works on architecture indigenous to the place named, e.g. Architecture--United States. The heading is qualified by a national qualifier for works on architecture of the type named in the qualifier but located in other places, e.g. Architecture, American--India.
Architecture--United States.
Washington (D.C.)--Buildings, structures, etc.
Using a geographic name to search public buildings and structures can help narrow your search.
Public buildings--Washington (D.C.)
Landscape Architecture.
Parks--Design and Construction.

Tips for Searching the Library of Congress Online Catalog

When searching in the Library of Congress Online Catalog, you can confine your search results to materials held by the Manuscript Division using "advanced search" (see screenshot below).

Architecture Collections in the Manuscript Division

Manuscripts: Ask a Librarian

General Search Tips

Using Library of Congress Subject Headings

Tips for Searching the Library of Congress Online Catalog