CALIFORNIA INDEX:
Type a keyword in one or more of the search boxes. If your search uses more than one word, use a separate search box for each word. When searching names, use the format “Lastname, Firstname.” An asterisk (*) may be used to truncate your search term(s). Then click on the Submit Query box.

Cards were typed with a space between "Mc" and the rest of the last name. Thus if a search for "McNeely" returns no matches, try "Mc Neely".

Your search may result in a series of records in database form. Images of actual 3x5 cards may also appear, These cards, maintained by hand since 1925, may contain typographical errors. The record tells you what publication contains information on the query.

Some records allow you to view the actual document. Click on that portion of the index record. Note that some records warn you that the document may be large and may take time to download. It may also require Acrobat 3.0 or better to view. This may be downloaded at no charge from www.adobe.com.

For technical reasons, very short search terms of 3 or 4 letters often give false returns in addition to the desired results. Ignore these unwanted records.

For a second search, go back to the search screen and click on the Reset box and begin again.

Note: Biography documents are still being added to the database.

CALIFORNIA FICTION:
Can be searched by author, title, locale, decade in which the story takes place, and major characters. Enter the indicated terms following the directions on the screen and click on the Submit Query box. Results will include an abstract of the plot. For a second search, go back to the search screen and click on the Reset box and begin again.

MENU COLLECTION:
Type a word or phrase in the search boxes, following the directions given. The first results screen will list the restaurant name and show a thumbnail image of the menu cover. Click on the restaurant name to see the full record. In the full record, click on “Click for Image” to see all the pages of the menu, one by one.

PHOTO COLLECTION:
On the screen, “Photo Database & Virtual Gallery,” you can read information on the collection and the process of ordering photographs. To see the photos, click on “Search the Database.” On the next screen enter your keyword(s) and click on “Search,” or arrow down to select other types of searches. On the next screen click on the title of the photograph for the full record. You may click on the image to enlarge it. (Note on the left-hand side of the screen, you may sort records or prepare a personal list.) For a second search, go back and click on the “Clear” box and begin again. To order prints, please note the order number and follow the directions on the “Copyright & Ordering Information” Screen.

If you wish to limit your search to standard historical information photographs, you may enter the terms “not Shades” after your search term(s). If you wish to view photos representing the varied ethnic groups of Los Angeles, you may enter the terms “not SPNB” after your search term(s).