    [United States Government Manual]
    [May 30, 1997]
    [Pages 53-60]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing 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

    [[Page 54]]

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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

    [[Page 55]]

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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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