Locating Government Information With THOMAS (Library of Congress)
Launched in 1995, THOMAS has expanded to include information on bills and resolutions, activity in Congress, an index to the Congressional Record, schedules and calendars, Presidential Nominations, treaties, and government resources. At this site you can also learn how your government works. A link to information for teachers including classroom activities, lesson plans and more is available on the homepage.
The website is straightforward and easy to use. Links to the Congressional Record, schedules and calendars, Presidential Nominations and treaties can be found in the left menu. Information for current bills can be found using the Legislation in Current Congress database. You can search using the word/phrase feature, or by bill number.
There is an advance search option that allows you to search by phrase, sponsor and committee. You will find the advance search option under the search box on the home page. If you know the sponsor of the bill, you can also search by sponsor from the home page. This feature is found beneath the search box.
THOMAS offers a link to contact members of Congress, and links to what is happening now in Congress, including a live video feed. Near the bottom of the home page you will find links to learn about the Legislative Process, the Supreme Court, historical documents and more. You can also sign up for an orientation to the Thomas website taught by reference librarians. There is a pamphlet that explains the orientation available on the Thomas website.