[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

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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

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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;

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    --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.


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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

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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

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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/.

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