[United States Government Manual]
[May 30, 1997]
[Pages 53-60]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
101 Independence Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20540
Phone, 202-707-5000
Librarian of Congress James H. Billington
Deputy Librarian of Congress Donald L. Scott
Chief of Staff JoAnn Jenkins
Associate Librarian for Library Services Winston Tabb
Associate Librarian for Human Resources Services Lloyd A. Pauls
Director, Congressional Research Service Daniel Mulhollan
Register of Copyrights and Associate Librarian Marybeth Peters
for Copyright Services
Law Librarian Rubens Medina
General Counsel Lana Kay Jones,
Acting
Inspector General John W. Rensbarger
Chief, Loan Division L. Christopher Wright
Library of Congress Trust Fund Board
Chairman (Librarian of Congress) James H. Billington
(Secretary of the Treasury) Robert E. Rubin
(U.S. Representative from California and William M. Thomas
Chairman, Joint Committee on the
Library)
Appointive Members Edwin L. Cox,
Patricia Duff,
Julie Finley,
Thomas S. Foley,
Adele Hall, John
Kluge, Peter Lynch,
Arthur Ortenberg,
Cecille Pulitzer,
Laurence Tisch
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The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States,
offering diverse materials for research including the world's most
extensive collections in many areas such as American history, music, and
law.
The Library of Congress was established by act of April 24, 1800 (2
Stat. 56), appropriating $5,000 ``for the purchase of such books as may
be necessary for the use of Congress . . . .'' The Library's scope of
responsibility has been widened by subsequent legislation (2 U.S.C. 131-
168d). The Librarian, appointed by the President with the advice and
consent of the Senate, directs the Library.
Supported mainly by the appropriations of Congress, the Library also
uses income from funds received from foundations and other private
sources and administered by the Library of Congress Trust Fund Board, as
well as monetary gifts presented for direct application (2 U.S.C. 154-
163).
Under the organic law, the Library's first responsibility is service
to Congress. As the Library has developed, its range of service has come
to include the entire governmental establishment and the public at
large, making it a national library for the United States.
Activities
Collections The Library's extensive collections are universal in scope.
They include books, serials, and pamphlets on every subject and in a
multitude of languages, and research materials in many formats,
including maps, photographs, manuscripts, motion pictures, and sound
recordings. Among them are the most comprehensive collections of
Chinese, Japanese, and Russian language books outside Asia and the
former Soviet Union; volumes relating to science and legal materials
outstanding for American and foreign law; the world's largest collection
of published aeronautical literature; and the most extensive collection
in the Western Hemisphere of books printed before 1501 A.D.
The manuscript collections relate to manifold aspects of American
history and civilization, and include the personal papers of most of the
Presidents from George Washington through Calvin Coolidge. The music
collections contain volumes and pieces--manuscript and published--from
classic works to the newest popular compositions. Other materials
available for research include maps and views; photographic records from
the daguerreotype to the latest news photo; recordings, including
folksongs and other music, speeches, and poetry readings; prints,
drawings, and posters; government documents, newspapers, and periodicals
from all over the world; and motion pictures, microforms, and audio and
video tapes.
Reference Resources Admission to the various research facilities of the
Library is free. No introduction or credentials are required for persons
over high school age. Readers must submit appropriate photo
identification with a current address and, for certain collections, like
those of the Manuscript, Rare Book and Special Collections, and Motion
Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Divisions, there are additional
requirements. As demands for service to Congress and Federal Government
agencies increase, reference service available through correspondence
has become limited. The Library must decline some requests and refer
correspondents to a library within their area that can provide
satisfactory assistance. While priority is given to inquiries pertaining
to its holdings of special materials or to subjects in which its
resources are unique, the Library does attempt to provide helpful
responses to all inquirers.
Copyrights Since 1870 the Library has been responsible for copyrights,
which are registered by the Copyright Office (acts of July 8, 1870 (16
Stat. 212-217), February 19, 1897 (29 Stat. 545), March 4, 1909, as
amended and codified (35 Stat. 1075), and October 19, 1976, as amended
and codified (90 Stat. 2541)). All copyrightable works, whether
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published or unpublished, are subject to a system of statutory
protection that gives the copyright owner certain exclusive rights,
including the right to reproduce the copyrighted work and distribute it
to the public by sale, rental, lease, or lending. Works of authorship
include books, periodicals, and other literary works, including computer
programs, musical compositions, song lyrics, dramas and dramatic-musical
compositions, pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works, architectural
works, pantomimes and choreographic works, motion pictures and other
audiovisual works, and sound recordings.
Extension of Service The Library extends its service through:
--an interlibrary loan system;
--the photoduplication, at reasonable cost, of books, manuscripts,
maps, newspapers, and prints in its collections;
--the sale of sound recordings, which are released by its Recording
Laboratory;
--the exchange of duplicates with other institutions;
--the sale of CD-ROM cataloging tools and magnetic tapes and the
publication in book format or microform of cumulative catalogs, which
make available the results of the expert bibliographical and cataloging
work of its technical personnel;
--a centralized cataloging program whereby the Library of Congress
acquires material published all over the world, catalogs it promptly,
and distributes cataloging information in machine-readable form as well
as by printed cards and other means to the Nation's libraries;
--a cooperative cataloging program whereby the cataloging of data,
by name authority and bibliographic records, prepared by other libraries
becomes part of the Library of Congress data base and is distributed
through the MARC Distribution Service;
--a cataloging-in-publication program in cooperation with American
publishers for printing cataloging information in current books;
--the National Serials Data Program, a national center that
maintains a record of serial titles to which International Standard
Serial Numbers have been assigned and serves, with this file, as the
United States Register; and
--the development of general schemes of classification (Library of
Congress and Dewey Decimal), subject headings, and cataloging, embracing
the entire field of printed matter.
Furthermore, the Library provides for:
--the preparation of bibliographical lists responsive to the needs
of Government and research;
--the maintenance and the publication of cooperative publications;
--the publication of catalogs, bibliographical guides, and lists,
and of texts of original manuscripts and rare books in the Library of
Congress;
--the circulation in traveling exhibitions of items from the
Library's collections;
--the provision of books in braille and ``talking book'' records, as
well as books on tape, for the blind and the physically handicapped
through 143 cooperating libraries throughout the United States;
--the distribution of its electronic materials via the Internet,
including more than 40 million bibliographic records, summaries of
congressional bills, copyright registrations, bibliographies and
research guides, summaries of foreign laws, an index of Southeast Asian
POW/MIA documents, and selections from the Library's unique historical
collections--the Library's major contribution to the National Digital
Library--via LC WEB (http://www.loc.gov/); online public legislative
information through Thomas (http://thomas.loc.gov/); major exhibits; the
Library's catalog; the Library's digitized collection of unique American
materials; pointers to external Internet resources including extensive
international, national, State, and local government information; and an
international electronic library of resources; and
--the provision of research and analytical services on a fee-for-
service basis to agencies in the executive and judicial branches.
Congressional Research Service The Congressional Research Service (CRS)
serves the Congress. The Service provides objective, nonpartisan
research,
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analysis, and informational support to assist Congress in its
legislative, oversight, and representative functions.
The Service evolved from the Legislative Reference Service, whose
statutory authority dates back to the Legislative Reorganization Act of
1946, as amended (2 U.S.C. 72a note), and the Legislative Reorganization
Act of 1970, as amended (2 U.S.C. 166), authorizing increased emphasis
on indepth research and analysis. Its mandate has grown over the years
in response to the increasing scope of public policy issues on the
congressional agenda. The Service's staff anticipates and responds to
congressional information and policy analysis needs in an
interdisciplinary manner. For the last several years, the Service has
answered more than one-half million requests annually.
The Service provides timely and objective information and analysis
in response to congressional inquiries at every stage of the legislative
process concerning subject areas relevant to policy issues before
Congress. Its director, assisted by a management team, oversees and
coordinates the work of seven research divisions, which span a range of
public policy subjects and disciplines. These divisions contain scholars
and experts in the following broad areas: American law, economics,
environment and natural resources policy, foreign affairs and national
defense, government, and science policy. The highest level researchers
are senior specialists, with national and international recognition in
their fields. The Service contains two reference divisions--the
Congressional Reference Division and the Library Services Division.
These divisions provide reference, bibliographic, and other
informational services to Congress and CRS staff using both traditional
techniques and sophisticated computerized systems. The Service creates
and maintains a number of specialized reading lists for Members of
Congress and their staffs, and disseminates other materials of interest.
The Service maintains those parts of the Library of Congress
automated information system that cover legislative matters, including
digests of all public bills and briefing papers on major legislative
issues. The Service administrative offices include Special Programs,
Operations, Policy, Research Coordination, and the Director's office.
In addition to responding to individual requests for information and
analysis, CRS anticipates congressional needs for research and develops
and presents seminars that provide a forum for discussion among Members
of Congress and their staffs, CRS specialists, and nationally recognized
experts on important legislative issues. Audio and visual materials on a
variety of topics of congressional interest are also produced and aired
on the congressional cable television system. A language service section
provides a variety of foreign language services, including translations.
For further information, call 202-707-5700.
American Folklife Center The Center, which was established in the
Library of Congress by act of January 2, 1976 (20 U.S.C. 2102 et seq.),
has a coordinative function both in and outside the Federal
Establishment to carry out appropriate programs to support, preserve,
and present American folklife through such activities as receiving and
maintaining folklife collections, scholarly research, field projects,
performances, exhibitions, festivals, workshops, publications, and
audiovisual presentations. The Center is directed by a Board of Trustees
consisting of four members appointed by the President from Federal
agencies; four each appointed by the President pro tempore of the Senate
and the Speaker of the House from private life; and five ex officio
members, including: the Librarian of Congress, the Secretary of the
Smithsonian Institution, the Chairmen of the National Endowment for the
Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Director of
the Center.
The Center has conducted projects in many locations across the
country, such as the ethnic communities of Chicago, IL; southern
Georgia; a ranching community in northern Nevada; the Blue Ridge Parkway
in southern Virginia and northern North Carolina; and the States
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of New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Montana. The projects have provided
large collections of recordings and photographs for the Archive of Folk
Culture. The Center administers the Federal Cylinder Project, which is
charged with preserving and disseminating music and oral traditions
recorded on wax cylinders dating from the late 1800's to the early
1940's. A cultural conservation study was developed at the Center, in
cooperation with the Department of the Interior, pursuant to a
congressional mandate. Various conferences, workshops, and symposia are
given throughout the year.
The Folklife Center News, a quarterly newsletter, and other
informational publications are available upon request. The Government
Printing Office sells additional Center publications.
The American Folklife Center maintains and administers the Archive
of Folk Culture, an extensive collection of ethnographic materials from
this country and around the world. It is the national repository for
folk-related recordings, manuscripts, and other unpublished materials.
The Center's reading room contains over 3,500 books and periodicals; a
sizable collection of magazines, newsletters, unpublished theses, and
dissertations; field notes; and many textual and some musical
transcriptions and recordings.
For further information, call 202-707-6590.
Center for the Book The Center was established in the Library of
Congress by act of October 13, 1977 (2 U.S.C. 171 et seq.), to stimulate
public interest in books, reading, and libraries, and to encourage the
study of books and print culture. The Center is a catalyst for promoting
and exploring the vital role of books, reading, and libraries--
nationally and internationally. As a partnership between the Government
and the private sector, the Center for the Book depends on tax-
deductible contributions from individuals and corporations to support
its programs.
The Center's activities are directed toward the general public and
scholars. The overall program includes reading and promotion projects
with television and radio networks, symposia, lectures, exhibitions,
special events, and publications. More than 100 national educational and
civic organizations participate in the Center's annual reading promotion
campaign.
Since 1984, 32 States have established statewide book centers that
are affiliated with the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.
State centers plan and fund their own projects, involving members of the
State's ``community of the book,'' including authors, readers, prominent
citizens, and public officials who serve as honorary advisers.
For further information, call 202-707-5221.
National Preservation Program The Library provides technical
information related to the preservation of library and archival
material. A series of handouts on various preservation and conservation
topics has been prepared by the Preservation Office. Information and
publications are available from the Library of Congress, Office of the
Director for Preservation, Washington, DC 20540-4500. Phone, 202-707-
1840.
National Film Preservation Board The National Film Preservation Board,
established by the National Film Preservation Act of 1992 (2 U.S.C.
179b), serves as a public advisory group to the Librarian of Congress.
The Board consists of 36 members and alternates representing the many
parts of the diverse American film industry, film archives, scholars,
and others. As its primary mission, the Board works to ensure the
survival, conservation, and increased public availability of America's
film heritage, including advising the Librarian on the annual selection
of films to the National Film Registry and counseling the Librarian on
development and implementation of the national film preservation plan.
Key publications are Film Preservation 1993: A Study of the Current
State of American Film Preservation (4 volumes, 748 pages) and
Redefining Film Preservation: A National Plan (79 pages).
For further information, call 202-707-5912.
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Sources of Information
Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped Talking and braille
books and magazines are distributed through 142 regional and subregional
libraries to blind and physically handicapped residents of the United
States and its territories. Information is available at public libraries
throughout the United States and from the headquarters office, Library
of Congress, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically
Handicapped, 1291 Taylor Street NW., Washington, DC 20542-4960. Phone,
202-707-5100.
Cataloging Data Distribution Cataloging and bibliographic information
in the form of microfiche catalogs, book catalogs, magnetic tapes, CD-
ROM cataloging tools, bibliographies, and other technical publications
is distributed to libraries and other institutions. Information about
ordering materials is available from the Library of Congress, Cataloging
Distribution Service, Washington, DC 20541-4910. Phone, 202-707-6100.
TDD, 202-707-0012. Fax, 202-707-1334. E-mail, cdsinfo@mail.loc.gov.
Library of Congress card numbers for new publications are assigned
by the Cataloging in Publication Division. Direct inquiries to Library
of Congress, CIP Division, Washington, DC 20540-4320. Phone, 202-707-
6372.
Contracts Persons seeking to do business with the Library of Congress
should contact the Library of Congress, Contracts and Logistics
Services, Landover Center Annex, 1701 Brightseat Road, Landover, MD
20785. Phone, 202-707-8717.
Copyright Services Information about the copyright law (title 17 of the
U.S. Code), the method of securing copyright, and registration
procedures may be obtained by writing to the Library of Congress,
Copyright Office, Washington, DC 20559-6000. Phone, 202-707-3000.
Copyright information is also available through the Internet, at http://
www.loc.gov/. Registration application forms may be ordered by calling
the forms hotline at 202-707-9100. Reports on copyright facts found in
the records of the Copyright Office may be obtained for a fee of $20 an
hour; any member of the public, however, may use without charge the
Copyright Card Catalog in the Copyright Office. Copyright Office records
in machine-readable form cataloged from January 1, 1978, to the present
are available through the Internet, at http://www.loc.gov/. The
Copyright Information Office is located in Room LM-401, James Madison
Memorial Building, 101 Independence Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20559-
6000, and is open to the public Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5
p.m. eastern time, except Federal holidays.
Employment Employment inquiries and applications (on Standard Form 171,
Application for Federal Employment) should be directed to the Library of
Congress, Human Resources Services Operations Office, Washington, DC
20540-2200. Potential applicants are encouraged to visit the Employment
Office, Room LM-107, 101 Independence Avenue SE., where current vacancy
announcements and application forms are available. The Human Resources
hotline provides recorded information on career opportunities. Phone,
202-707-4315.
Photoduplication Service Copies of manuscripts, prints, photographs,
maps, and book material not subject to copyright and other restrictions
are available for a fee. Order forms for photoreproduction and price
schedules are available from the Library of Congress, Photoduplication
Service, Washington, DC 20540-4570. Phone, 202-707-5640.
Publications A list of Library of Congress publications, many of which
are of interest to the general public, is available through the
Internet, at http://www.loc.gov/. A monthly Calendar of Events, listing
programs and exhibitions at the Library of Congress, can be mailed
regularly to persons within 100 miles of Washington, DC. Make requests
to the Library of Congress, Office Systems Services, Washington, DC
20540-9440.
Reference and Bibliographic Services Guidance is offered to readers in
the identification and use of the material in
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the Library's collections, and reference service in answer to inquiries
is offered to those who have exhausted local, State, and regional
resources. Persons requiring services that cannot be performed by the
Library staff can be supplied with names of private researchers who work
on a fee basis. Requests for information should be directed to the
Library of Congress, National Reference Service, Washington, DC 20540-
5570. Phone, 202-707-5522. Fax, 202-707-1389.
Research and Reference Services in Science and Technology Reference
specialists in the Science and Technology Division answer without charge
brief technical inquiries entailing a bibliographic response. Of special
interest is a technical report collection exceeding 3.4 million titles.
Most of these are in microform and are readily accessible for viewing in
the Science Reading Room. Requests for reference service should be
directed to the Library of Congress, Science and Technology Division,
Washington, DC 20540-4750. Phone, 202-707-5639.
An informal series of reference guides is issued by the Science and
Technology Division under the general title LC Science Tracer Bullet.
These guides are designed to help a reader locate published material on
a subject about which he or she has only general knowledge. For a list
of available titles, write to the Library of Congress, Science and
Technology Division, Reference Section, Washington, DC 20540-4750.
Phone, 202-707-5639.
Research Services in General Topics Federal Government agencies can
procure directed research and analytical products using the collections
of the Library of Congress through the Federal Research Division.
Science and social science topics of research are conducted by staff
specialists exclusively on behalf of Federal agencies on a fee-for-
service basis. Requests for service should be directed to Library of
Congress, Federal Research Division, Marketing Office, Washington, DC
20540-4840. Phone, 202-707-9904. Fax, 202-245-3900.
For further information, contact the Public Affairs Office, Library of
Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20540-8610. Phone,
202-707-2905. Fax, 202-707-9199. Internet, http://www.loc.gov/.
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