[United States Government Manual] [June 02, 1998] [Pages 54-61] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 101 Independence Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20540 Phone, 202-707-5000. Internet, http://www.loc.gov/. 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 Elizabeth Pugh [[Page 55]] 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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 [[Page 56]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T177653.006 [[Page 57]] 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 With the enactment of the second general revision of the U.S. copyright law by Act of July 8, 1870 (16 Stat. 212-217), all activities relating to copyright, including deposit and registration, were centralized in the Library of Congress. The Copyright Act of 1976 (90 Stat. 2541), as amended and codified, brought all forms of copyrightable authorship, both published and unpublished, under a single statutory system which gives authors protection immediately upon creation of their works. Exclusive rights granted to authors under the statute include the right to reproduce and prepare derivative works, distribute copies or phonorecords, perform and display the work publicly, and in the case of sound recordings, to perform the work publicly by means of a digital audio transmission. Works eligible for copyright include literary works (books and periodicals), musical works, dramatic works, pantomimes and choreographic works, pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works, motion pictures, sound recordings, and architectural works. Serving in its capacity as a national registry for creative works, the Copyright Office registers nearly 600,000 claims to copyright annually and is a major source of acquisitions for the universal collections of the Library of Congress. 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; [[Page 58]] --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 mission of the Congressional Research Service (CRS) is to provide to the Congress, throughout the legislative process, comprehensive and reliable legislative research, analysis, and information services that are timely, objective, nonpartisan, and confidential, thereby contributing to an informed national legislature. In the last several years, CRS has responded to more than 500,000 requests for services from the Congress annually. CRS evolved from the Legislative Reference Service, established in 1914 by an act of Congress. The statutory authority for CRS in its current form 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). The 1970 act authorized increased emphasis on in-depth research and analysis. The function and capabilities of CRS have grown over the years in response to the increasing scope of public policy issues on the congressional agenda. CRS provides multidisciplinary assistance to the Congress at every stage of the legislative process concerning subject areas relevant to policy issues before the Congress. Its Director, assisted by a management team, oversees and coordinates the work of seven research divisions which span the range of public policy subjects and disciplines: American Law; Economics; Environment and Natural Resources Policy; Foreign Affairs and National Defense; Government; and Science, Technology, and Medicine. The Service has two information divisions: the Congressional Reference Division and the Library Services Division. These divisions provide reference, bibliographic, and other information services to the Congress and CRS staff using both traditional techniques and automated systems. The Service's administrative offices are Finance and Administration; Policy Compliance; Research; and the Director's Office. In addition to responding to individual requests for information and analysis, CRS prepares products and services in anticipation of topics that likely will be on the legislative agenda, 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. The CRS' Internet home page provides Members and their staff with access to CRS products and services and links to public policy, legislative, legal, and reference information. CRS and the Library of Congress contribute to the Legislative Information System, an electronic retrieval system that provides the Congress with the most current and comprehensive legislative information available, including bill summaries and status, full text of legislation, and committee reports. For further information, call 202-707-5700. [[Page 59]] 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 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 50 national educational and civic organizations participate in the Center's annual reading promotion campaign. Since 1984, 35 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 [[Page 60]] 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, presently authorized by the National Film Preservation Act of 1996 (2 U.S.C. 179), serves as a public advisory group to the Librarian of Congress. The Board consists of 40 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. 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, [email protected]. 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 SF-171, OF-612, or Federal-format resume) should be directed to the Library of Congress, Directorate of Personnel, Washington, DC 20540-2200. Potential applicants [[Page 61]] are encouraged to visit the Employment Office, Room LM-107, 101 Independence Avenue SE., where current vacancy announcements and application forms are available. The personnel hotline provides recorded information on career opportunities. Phone, 202-707-4315. Internet, http://www.loc.gov/. 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 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 20540-4720. 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 and standards collection exceeding 3.6 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 20540-4751. Phone, 202-707-5639. Research Services in General Topics Federal Government agencies can procure directed research and analytical products on foreign and domestic topics using the collections of the Library of Congress through the Federal Research Division. Science, technology, humanities, 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, 202-707-3909. Fax, 202-245-3920. 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/. ------------------------------------------------------------------------