Interactive Marketing Resources @ The Library of Congress

George Assimakopoulos
Principal Manager

Recently, I heard rumors that the Library of Congress (LOC) has a hidden treasure of interactive marketing and e-commerce documentation that would make Forrester Research & Nielsen Net Ratings shiver with competitive-fear.  The question I had though was - "How do I access this information?"  Of course I started my scavenger hunt online at The Library of Congress' Website. But I quickly discovered that I needed help in navigating through the plethora of options at the website.  So a decided to do what anyone else would do when they need to find a book - I asked a librarian.

I sent one of our summer college interns (Chris Cohen, Emory University) on a field-trip downtown to search for answers and direction to these buried resources within the Business Reference Center at the LOC.  Let me first say that I am VERY glad that I sent him rather than trying to do this on my own.  It took our intern a full-day to navigate through the LOC to get the information we were seeking.  At the end of it all - our intern was succesful with the guidance of two super-librarians. (Secret Tip: if you call ever the LOC Busniess Center at 202-707-7935, be sure to ask for Margeaux and Ellen...they're awesome!)

So here's a Cliff-Notes version of what you need to do if you ever want/need to tap into the Interactive Marketing resources at the LOC:

Step #1:  Start with the Online Catalog at: catalog.LOC.gov
Step #2:  Click on "Basic Search" and refine your query to the following Call Numbers:  HF5410-5417 (for online marketing) or HF5801-6182 (for advertising)
Step #3:  Since this search will only give you a list of the Interactive Marketing resources available at the LOC - print out the references you need...and head over to the LOC.  For our intern, the easiest way there was by Metro.  But CLICK HERE if you would like to see the a list of directional options for getting to the LOC
Step #4:  First go to The Madison Building (Room LM140) and apply for a Reader's Card. Yes...it's free and you get it the same day. Then, with your new Reader's Card, go next door to The Adams Building and take the elevator to the 5th Floor.  It is on this floor where the Business Reference Center is located
Step#5:  Proceed to the right-wing of the floor and you will become immersed into a world of search engine marketing user guides, e-mail best practices and CAN-SPAM laws, and rows of case studies and corporate white papers for your perusal.  Most of the Interactive Marketing volumes begin with the call number HF5415 or HF5724

Now you're on your own - go crazy! You can check-out books, make photo-copies of case studies, or simply walk the volumes to see what's new.  If you get lost - ask you friendly LOC librarian at the Business Reference Center.  But remember to come there ready with your list of books, references, and other resources that you pulled from the online catalog.  The librarians there are extra-friendly to those who come prepared!