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Mar 11, 2024 · archivists can assist with managing active records and papers. NARA also stores other legislative-branch records, as well as pre-1789 legislative records. Separately, both NARA and the Library of Congress operate programs to capture and preserve public-facing congressional websites. R47590 March 11, 2024 Ben Leubsdorf
- Accessing The LC Catalog
- Searching/Browsing The LC Catalog
- Search Results and Output
- Other Library of Congress Catalogs
When I try to access the LC Catalog, I get a message that "all available connections are in use?" What does that mean?
The LC Catalog receives millions of search requests each day -- and at peak times, all connections may be in use. We are aware how frustrating this is, and we are constantly monitoring the number of simultaneous users to ensure the maximum possible access. Should you encounter connection problems, here are some tips: 1. Peak usage is typically Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 10am and 2pm (US Eastern Time). We suggest trying to search before or after those hours, or on Mondays, Fri...
Periodically a timeout dialog box appears on my screen. Can you give me more information on session timeouts?
Because the LC Catalog receives millions of search requests each day, we need to minimize the number of inactive sessions to make sure active searchers can access the Catalog. The Library, therefore, terminates your search session when you do not navigate from one page to the next at least once in five minutes. To keep your search session active, a timeout dialog box will appear two minutes before your session will expire, giving you the opportunity to refresh the counter. When your session c...
How do I access the LC Catalog through the Library's wireless connections?
Onsite Library patrons with personal wireless-enabled devices may access the LC Catalog through the Library's free wireless service. Wireless users at the Library have access to research materials that may be limited to onsite use or have other restrictions on further dissemination because of copyright or licensing agreements. Restrictions on the use and further dissemination of these resources are the same whether researchers are accessing them using Library workstations or via the Library's...
I'm sure the Library has the item I am searching for, but I cannot find it in the LC Catalog. Does the catalog list every item in the Library's collections?
The Library of Congress acquires material from all over the world in many different formats, in hundreds of languages, and in diverse subject areas. Six methods of acquisition are used: purchase, Copyright deposit, exchange, donation, the Cataloging in Publication (CIP) and Preassigned Card Number(PCN) programs, and transfer between federal government agencies. While the Library of Congress is one of the largest libraries in the world, it does not have a copy of every item ever published. The...
I've checked the LC catalogs mentioned above, and it still looks like the Library doesn't have what I need. Now what?
If you believe the Library doesn't have what you are looking for, please contact a reference librarian through the Library's Ask a Librarianservice. Also try your local public or college library. Most libraries have access to a number of online databases. They can also locate and borrow items for patrons through Interlibrary Loan. Your local library is often the fastest and easiest resource for finding hard-to-find items.
Are there short URLs that I can use to bookmark the Browse, Advanced Search, and Keyword Search pages?
Yes, you can use the following short URLs to bookmark the LC Catalog search pages: 1. For Browse, use: https://catalog.loc.gov/browse 2. For Advanced Search, use: https://catalog.loc.gov/advanced 3. For Keyword Search, use: https://catalog.loc.gov/keyword
Where do I find the Library "Request in" location displayed on LC Catalog records? Can I put the item on reserve before I arrive? Does the Library allow patrons to borrow books?
Information about Library of Congress reading rooms and research centers is available on the Research and Reference Services site. This site links you to Library maps and floor plans as well as hours of operation. While retrieving material from the Library's over 500 miles of shelving may take approximately an hour, materials can be reserved ahead of time. In addition, serious and extended researchers can request one of a limited number of individual study shelveswhere charged materials can b...
Where do I find out more about the Library's Reader Registration program?
Public patrons of the Library's research areas are required to have a Reader Identification Card issued by the Library. These cards are free-of-charge and are valid for two years from the date of issue. Patrons must present in person a valid driver's license, state-issued identification card, or passport at a Reader Registration Station, located in the Madison Building, Room LM 133 (in the Newspaper & Current Periodicals Reading Room) or the Jefferson Building, Room LJ 139(in the Microform an...
If I cannot come to the Library of Congress, how do I obtain copies of items I find in the LC Catalog?
The Library of Congress does not loan material to individuals, but some items may be loaned or digitized on a case-by-case basis. You should work through your local public or institutional library's Interlibrary Loan(ILL) program to initiate a request. Usually material is available at local and regional libraries; in some cases, local libraries charge a nominal fee for processing ILL requests. You may also purchase reproductions of some materials from the Library's Duplication Services. The D...
Where can I search the Braille and Audio catalog?
The NLS Catalog of the National Service for the Blind and Print Disabled is available through a responsive interface similar to the LC Catalog. Please consult the NLS websitefor additional information on NLS services.
What other catalogs are available?
In addition to the LC Catalog, some Library special format materials are also discoverable via separate expert search systems (such as the Prints and Photographs Online Catalog and Chronicling America) that supplement search available from the Library's Digital Collections website. LC Catalog records for many archival collections link to more detailed guides available in Finding Aids Search. Databases, ejournals, and ebooks that are available to patrons onsite (including items found in fee-ba...
Where can I search the Copyright files?
Records of the U.S. Copyright Office (including registration information and recorded documents from 1978 to the present) are available through the Copyright Catalog.
People also ask
How many librarians are there in Congress?
How many digital collections does the Library of Congress have?
What is the Congressional Record?
How much digital storage does the Library of Congress have?
Oct 21, 2021 · CMD is responsible for the safekeeping of the Library’s collections through inventory control, storage, and delivery of resources to fulfill user requests. The history of collections management at the Library of Congress stretches back to the 19 th century. More precisely to the year 1897 when the activities were transferred from the Capitol ...
The Library of Congress uses a range of systems and software applications to ensure enduring access to the Library’s digital collections. Some of these software systems are commercial tools purchased or licensed by the Library, some are enhanced or modified versions of open-source systems and software, and others are in-house-developed and ...
Apr 25, 2012 · So, here’s what I can say: the Library of Congress has more than 3 petabytes of digital collections. What else I can say with all certainty is that by the time you read this, all the numbers — counts and amount of storage — will have changed.
Jul 19, 2023 · Beginning with the Continental Congress in 1774, America's national legislative bodies have kept records of their proceedings. The records of the Continental Congress, the Constitutional Convention, and the United States Congress make up a rich documentary history of the construction of the nation and the development of the federal government and its role in the national life.
The Library is directed by the Librarian of Congress, who is appointed by the president of the United States and confirmed by a vote of the Senate. Since the Library's founding in 1800, there have been 14 Librarians of Congress, including the incumbent, Carla Hayden, who was sworn in on September 14, 2016.
