I think, for some inexplicable reason, that the Library of Congress online archives are much underutilized and underrated. Even I rarely use the site. But I think I will use it from now on.
The Library of Congress online archives is a huge database of texts, articles, photos, lithographs– think of anything that can be in the largest library in the world, and then think of it as online. That’s the LOC database. A lot of the photos and articles are extremely old (and thus, historical!), and few have copyrights on them. So it’s usually free to use the images (but you should always make sure, just in case). I will probably use them for finding photos for my blogs, as I like to include them now where possible. (And iStock is just way too expensive). I have a home improvement blog and I like to have photos of bathroom fixtures when I am discussing bathrooms… to use travel photos when I discuss travel, etc…
My childen use the LOA for resources, for school. It’s a massive reference resource. I highly recommend it. The LOA could use some cleanup– it’s not very user-friendly and I would like it if they allowed thumbnails in their searches, but still, it’s free to use, and it MASSIVE. See the links below for the websites. Be sure to get a cup of coffee of tea before browsing– there’s a TON to see. Enjoy!
Library of Congress
Library of Congress Digital Collection
Print and Photographs Reading Room
Prints & Photographs Digital Collection.
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