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Feb 20, 2024 · An Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) is a digital tool that libraries use to help people find and locate books, articles, and other materials within their collections. This system has changed the way people find information in libraries, moving from the old card catalog system to a new online search system. Advertisements.
- 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.
Library of Congress registered readers may use the LC Online Catalog (catalog.loc.gov) to request materials from the Library’s general collections, the Law Library, and the Music Division. Materials will be retrieved for use only in the Library’s Main, European, Hispanic, Law Library, Performing Arts, and Science and Business reading rooms.
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Feb 6, 2024 · An Introduction to the Online Catalog (OPAC) When you click on the link to the OPAC from our Homepage, you will land on the page displayed below. This page provides basic search options as well as other functions (like seeing what you have checked-out, and renewing a book you already have).
People also ask
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Mar 3, 2022 · Libraries throughout the world rely on LC cataloging, either directly through the Library's online catalog, through the Cataloging Distribution Service, or by participating in bibliographic utilities or cataloging services.
View items you have checked out and when they are due. Renew all of your library materials. Modify, cancel, and check the status of your holds. Change your PIN. View and pay current bills. Go to the catalog and click on My Lists to: Created customized lists of items in the catalog. Maintain a list of items to place on hold.
Jun 27, 2022 · A proven resource for librarians and students, this updated classic opens the door to understanding current library cataloging processes, shows you how to use them to create standard catalog records, and provides guidance in managing the cataloging workflow.
