About the LibraryAbout the Library | Mission | General Information | Fascinating Facts | FAQs
Welcome Message from the Librarian of Congress
The Library of Congress is the nation's oldest federal cultural institution and serves as the research arm of Congress. It is also the largest library in the world, with millions of books, recordings, photographs, maps and manuscripts in its collections.
The Library's mission is to make its resources available and useful to the Congress and the American people and to sustain and preserve a universal collection of knowledge and creativity for future generations. The Office of the Librarian is tasked to set policy and to direct and support programs and activities to accomplish the Library's mission.
As Librarian of Congress, I oversee the many thousands of dedicated staff who acquire, catalog, preserve, and make available library collections within our three buildings on Capitol Hill and over the Internet. I am pleased that you are visiting our Web site today, and I invite you to bookmark our URL and return to it often.
Sincerely,
James H. Billington, Librarian of Congress
Library Organization
An agency of the legislative branch of the U.S. government, the Library of Congress encompasses several integral service and support units, listed below. You may also download a PDF of the Library's organizational chart (PDF, 101 KB). Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view this document.
Library of Congress
Office of the Librarian
The mission of the Office of the Librarian is to set policy and to direct and support programs and activities to accomplish the Library's mission. The Office of the Librarian is the administrative branch of the Library of Congress and has overall management responsibility for the Library.
Enabling Infrastructure
Several offices that provide essential services to all service and support units within the Library make up its enabling infrastructure. These include Integrated Support Services, Human Resources Services, the Office of the Chief Financial Officer and the Office of Security and Emergency Preparedness.
Congressional Research Service
The Congressional Research Service provides, exclusively to the U.S. Congress, objective and nonpartisan assessments of legislative options for addressing the public policy problems facing the nation.
Copyright Office
The mission of the Copyright Office is to promote creativity by administering and sustaining an effective national copyright system.
Visit the Copyright Office Web site.
Law Library
Congress established its Law Library in 1832, recognizing its need for ready access to reliable legal materials. The Law Library has grown over the years to become the world’s largest law library, with a collection of over three million volumes spanning the ages and covering virtually every jurisdiction in the world.
Visit the Law Library Web site.
Library Services
The mission of Library Services is to develop qualitatively the Library's universal collections, which document the history and further the creativity of the American people and which record and contribute to the advancement of civilization and knowledge throughout the world, and to acquire, organize, provide access to, maintain, secure, and preserve these collections.
Office of Strategic Initiatives
The mission of the Office of Strategic Initiatives is to support the Library's vision and strategy by directing the overall strategic planning for the Library and the national program for long-term preservation of digital cultural assets, leading a collaborative institution-wide effort to develop consolidated digital future plans, and integrating the delivery of information technology services.
Visit the Web site of the National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program (NDIIPP).
Other Offices
Other offices that operate independently of individual service units but are within the Library's organizational structure are listed here.
Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission
Copyright Royalty Board
Office of the Inspector General
Open World Leadership Center
About the Librarian
About the Librarian | Speeches, Statements | Previous Librarians
About the Librarian
James Hadley Billington was sworn in as the Librarian of Congress on September 14, 1987. He is the 13th person to hold the position since the Library was established in 1800.
Dr. Billington has championed the Library’s National Digital Library (NDL) Program, which makes freely available online more than 11 million American historical items from the collections of the Library and other research institutions on the Library's Web site at www.loc.gov. These unique American Memory materials and the Library’s other Internet services— which include THOMAS (a congressional database), the on-line card catalog, exhibitions, information from the U.S. Copyright Office, and a Web site for children and families called "America’s Library"— handled more than 5 billion transactions in the year 2007.
The Library has placed online under Dr. Billington's leadership a major bilingual Web site with the two National Libraries of Russia and has launched smaller such joint projects with the national libraries of Brazil, Spain, France, the Netherlands, and Egypt. His proposal in 2005 for the creation of a World Digital Library containing the primary cultural documents of different cultures was endorsed by UNESCO in 2007.
Dr. Billington created the Library’s first national private-sector advisory and support group, the James Madison Council. Its members have supported the NDL Program, many other Library outreach programs, and important new acquisitions for the Library’s collections. In 2000, the Library’s bicentennial year, Madison Council Chairman John W. Kluge made the largest monetary donation in the Library’s history: $60 million to create a center within the Library for advanced scholars and a million-dollar prize for lifetime achievement in the humanities or social sciences.
Born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, on June 1, 1929, Dr. Billington was educated in the public schools of the Philadelphia area. He was class valedictorian at both Lower Merion High School and Princeton University, where he graduated with highest honors in 1950. Three years later, he earned his doctorate from Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar at Balliol College.
Following service with the U.S. Army and in the Office of National Estimates, he taught history at Harvard University from 1957 to 1962 and subsequently at Princeton University, where he was professor of history from 1964 to 1973.
From 1973 to 1987, Dr. Billington was director of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, the nation’s official memorial in Washington to America’s 28th president. As director, he founded the Kennan Institute for Advanced Russian Studies at the Center and seven other new programs as well as the Wilson Quarterly.
Dr. Billington is the author of Mikhailovsky and Russian Populism (1956), The Icon and the Axe (1966), Fire in the Minds of Men (1980), Russia Transformed: Breakthrough to Hope, August 1991 (1992), The Face of Russia (1998) — a companion book to the three-part television series of the same name, which he wrote and narrated for the Public Broadcasting Service, and Russia in Search of Itself (2004). These books have been translated and published in a variety of languages. Dr. Billington has accompanied 10 congressional delegations to Russia and the former Soviet Union. In June 1988 he accompanied President and Mrs. Reagan to the Soviet Summit in Moscow. He is the founder of the Open World Program and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Open World Leadership Center. The Open World Program is a nonpartisan initiative of the U.S. Congress that has brought more than 11,000 emerging young Russian political leaders to communities throughout America, and 2,000 others from Ukraine and seven other successor states of the former Soviet Union.
In October 2004, Dr. Billington headed a Library of Congress delegation to Tehran, Iran to expand exchanges between the Library of Congress and the National Library of Iran. Dr. Billington was the most senior U.S. government official to openly visit Iran in 25 years.
Dr. Billington has received over 40 honorary doctorates, including from the University of Tblisi in Georgia (1999), the Russian State University for the Humanities in Moscow (2001), and the University of Oxford (2002). He also has been awarded the Woodrow Wilson Award from Princeton University (1992), the UCLA Medal (1999), and the Pushkin Medal of the International Association of the Teachers of Russian Language and Culture (2000), the Karamzin Prize (2005) from the Foreign Literature Library in Moscow, and the Likhachev Prize (2006) from the Likhachev Foundation in St. Petersburg. In 2007, Dr. Billington was awarded the inaugural Lafayette Prize by the French-American Cultural Foundation and the EastWest Institute Outstanding Leadership Award.
Dr. Billington is a foreign member of the Russian Academy of Sciences. He has been decorated as Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters and as Chevalier of the Legion of Honor by the President of France, as Commander of the National Order of the Southern Cross of Brazil. He has been awarded the Order of Merit of Italy, a Knight Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit by the Federal Republic of Germany, the Gwanghwa Medal by the Republic of Korea, and the Chingiz Aitmatov Gold Medal by the Kyrgyz Republic. In 2008, Dr. Billington was awarded the Order of Friendship by the President of the Russian Federation; the highest state order that a foreign citizen may receive.
Dr. Billington was a longtime member of the editorial advisory boards of Foreign Affairs and Theology Today, and a member of the Board of Foreign Scholarships (1971-76; Chairman, 1973-1975), which has executive responsibility for academic exchanges worldwide under the Fulbright-Hays Act. He is a member of the American Philosophical Society, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and is on the Board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Dr. Billington is married to the former Marjorie Anne Brennan. They have four children: Dr. Susan Billington Harper, Anne Billington Fischer, the Rev. James Hadley Billington Jr., and Thomas Keator Billington, as well as 12 grandchildren.
History
History | Publications
The Library of Congress was established by an act of Congress in 1800 when President John Adams signed a bill providing for the transfer of the seat of government from Philadelphia to the new capital city of Washington. The legislation described a reference library for Congress only, containing "such books as may be necessary for the use of Congress - and for putting up a suitable apartment for containing them therein…"
Established with $5,000 appropriated by the legislation, the original library was housed in the new Capitol until August 1814, when invading British troops set fire to the Capitol Building, burning and pillaging the contents of the small library.
Within a month, retired President Thomas Jefferson offered his personal library as a replacement. Jefferson had spent 50 years accumulating books, "putting by everything which related to America, and indeed whatever was rare and valuable in every science"; his library was considered to be one of the finest in the United States. In offering his collection to Congress, Jefferson anticipated controversy over the nature of his collection, which included books in foreign languages and volumes of philosophy, science, literature, and other topics not normally viewed as part of a legislative library. He wrote, "I do not know that it contains any branch of science which Congress would wish to exclude from their collection; there is, in fact, no subject to which a Member of Congress may not have occasion to refer."
In January 1815, Congress accepted Jefferson's offer, appropriating $23,950 for his 6,487 books, and the foundation was laid for a great national library. The Jeffersonian concept of universality, the belief that all subjects are important to the library of the American legislature, is the philosophy and rationale behind the comprehensive collecting policies of today's Library of Congress.
Ainsworth Rand Spofford, Librarian of Congress from 1864 to 1897, applied Jefferson's philosophy on a grand scale and built the Library into a national institution. Spofford was responsible for the copyright law of 1870, which required all copyright applicants to send to the Library two copies of their work. This resulted in a flood of books, pamphlets, maps, music, prints, and photographs. Facing a shortage of shelf space at the Capitol, Spofford convinced Congress of the need for a new building, and in 1873 Congress authorized a competition to design plans for the new Library.
In 1886, after many proposals and much controversy, Congress authorized construction of a new Library building in the style of the Italian Renaissance in accordance with a design prepared by Washington architects John L. Smithmeyer and Paul J. Pelz.
The Congressional authorization was successful because of the hard work of two key Senators: Daniel W. Voorhees (Indiana), who served as chairman of the Joint Committee from 1879 to 1881, and Justin S. Morrill (Vermont), chairman of Senate Committee on Buildings and Grounds.
In 1888, General Thomas Lincoln Casey, chief of the Army Corps of Engineers, was placed in charge of construction. His chief assistant was Bernard R. Green, who was intimately involved with the building until his death in 1914. Beginning in 1892, a new architect, Edward Pearce Casey, the son of General Casey, began to supervise the interior work, including sculptural and painted decoration by more than 50 American artists.
When the Library of Congress building opened its doors to the public on November 1, 1897, it was hailed as a glorious national monument and "the largest, the costliest, and the safest" library building in the world.
Collections
Today's Library of Congress is an unparalleled world resource. The collection of more than 130 million items includes more than 29 million cataloged books and other print materials in 460 languages; more than 58 million manuscripts; the largest rare book collection in North America; and the world's largest collection of legal materials, films, maps, sheet music and sound recordings.
Joint Committee on the Library
The Joint Committee on the Library (the oldest continuing Joint Committee of the U.S. Congress) was created on April 24, 1800, when President John Adams signed the bill establishing the federal government in Washington and creating the Library of Congress. The act appropriated $5,000 for "the purchase of such books as may be necessary for the use of Congress" after it moved to the new capital city of Washington. The Library's appropriation for fiscal year 1811 officially made the Joint Committee on the Library a standing committee. From the 95th Congress forward,
the Joint Committee on the Library has been composed of the chairman (or designee) and four members each from the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and the Committee on House Administration. The chairmanship and vice chairmanship alternate between the House and Senate every Congress.
The Librarian of Congress
James Hadley Billington was nominated in April 1987 by President Ronald Reagan and was confirmed by the Senate to be the 13th Librarian of Congress. He took the oath of office in the Library's Great Hall on September 14, 1987.
For more information on the history of the Library of Congress:
Jefferson's Legacy: A Brief History of the Library of Congress
On These Walls: Inscriptions and Quotations in the Buildings of the Library of
Congress
Awards and Honors
Awards and Honors Home | Living Legends | Poets Laureate
Kluge Prize | Gershwin Prize | Fiction Prize
Gershwin Prize for Popular Song
The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song
The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song celebrates the work of an artist whose career reflects lifetime achievement in promoting song as a vehicle of musical expression and cultural understanding. Within the context of the award,
“song” is defined as either a single composition or a number that may be extracted from a larger work such as musical, film score, or television soundtrack. The styles in which these works are composed cross social, racial, and national boundaries, and reflect myriad contemporary traditions like rock, jazz, country, pop, blues, folk, and gospel. While song has always been considered a “popular” work, the advent of sound recordings and radio and television broadcasting at the beginning of the last century significantly extended audiences. It is “song” in this broadest definition to which the prize refers. The recipient-whether composer, singer/songwriter, or interpreter-is recognized for entertaining and informing audiences, for drawing upon the acknowledged foundations of popular song, and for inspiring new generations of performers on their own professional journeys.
The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song will honor either a songwriter, interpreter, or singer/songwriter whose career reflects lifetime achievement in promoting the genre of song as a vehicle of artistic expression and cultural understanding.
The selection will be made by the Librarian of Congress in consultation with a board that is both credible and broad enough in scope to represent the full spectrum of popular song. Board members may include but need not be limited to scholars, producers, performers, music critics, songwriters, and subject specialists within and outside the Library of Congress.
Stevie Wonder, Second Gershwin Prize Recipient
Born in Saginaw, Michigan in 1950, Stevie Wonder became blind shortly after birth. He learned to play the harmonica, piano and drums by age 9. By the time he was 10, his singing and other musical skills were known throughout his neighborhood, and when the family moved to Detroit, impressed adults made his talents known to the owners of Motown Records, who gave him a recording contract when he was age 12.
His early hits included "Fingertips," "Uptight (Everything’s All Right)" "For Once in My Life," "My Cherie Amour," "Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours," and "If You Really Love Me." He undertook the study of classical piano, and later, music theory, and beginning in 1967, he began writing more of his own material. In the early 1970s, Wonder toured with the Rolling Stones and had major hits with the songs
"Superstition" and "You are the Sunshine of My Life."
In the mid-70s, his album "Songs in the Key of Life" topped the charts for 14 weeks. Over the years Stevie Wonder has garnered 25 Grammy Awards, as well as the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996. He collected an Academy Award for the 1984 hit "I Just Called to Say I Love You" from the film The Woman in Red. In 1989, he was inducted into the Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame. In 1999, Stevie became the youngest honoree of the Kennedy Center Honors. He was inducted into the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame in 2002, and in 2004 he won the Johnny Mercer Award in recognition of a lifetime of outstanding creative work.
In 2005, the Library of Congress added Stevie Wonder’s 1976 double album "Songs in the Key of Life" to the National Recording Registry, which recognizes recordings that are "culturally, historically or aesthetically important, and/or inform or reflect life in the United States."
Related Resources
Singer/Songwriter Stevie Wonder Named Recipient of Library of Congress Gershwin Prize, Sept. 2, 2008
National Recording Registry
Paul Simon, First Annual Gershwin Prize Recipient
Photo ©2007 courtesy Rahav Segev/Photopass.com
During his distinguished career Paul Simon has been the recipient of many honors and awards including 12 Grammy Awards, three of which ("Bridge Over Troubled Water",
"Still Crazy After All These Years" and "Graceland") were albums of the year. In 2003 he was given a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for his work as half of the duo Simon and Garfunkel. He is an inductee of The Songwriters Hall of Fame and is in the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame both as a member of Simon and Garfunkel and as a solo artist. His song "Mrs. Robinson" from the motion picture "The Graduate" was named in the top ten of The American Film Institute's 100 Years 100 Songs. He was a recipient of The Kennedy Center Honors in 2003 and was named as one of Time Magazine's "100 People Who Shape Our World" in 2006.
Of his many concert appearances, he is most fond of the two concerts in Central Park in New York (with his partner and childhood friend Art Garfunkel in 1981 and as a solo artist in 1991) and the series of shows he did at the invitation of Nelson Mandela in South Africa: the first American artist to perform in post-apartheid South Africa.
Simon's philanthropic work includes the co-founding of The Children's Health Fund with Dr. Irwin Redlener. The CHF donates and staffs mobile medical vans that bring health care to poor and indigent children in urban and rural locations around the United States. In the twenty years since its inception it has provided over 1,200,000 doctor/patient visits. In the wake of Hurricanes Andrew and Katrina it was the primary health care source for those communities decimated by the storms. Simon has also raised millions of dollars for worthy causes as varied as AMFAR, The Nature Conservancy, The Fund for Imprisoned Children In South Africa and Autism Speaks. In 1989 The United Negro College Fund honored him with its Frederick D. Patterson Award.
Related Resources
Paul Simon To Be Awarded First Annual Gershwin Prize for Popular Song by Library of Congress, March 1, 2007 PBS will broadcast the gala concert on Wednesday, June 27 at 9 p.m. EDT on stations nationwide.
Library of Congress Lifetime Achievement Award for the Writing of Fiction
The Library of Congress Lifetime Achievement Award for the Writing of Fiction was established in 2008 to honor a career dedicated to the literary arts. The award recognizes the enduring achievements of its recipient and his or her dedication to embodying the human spirit in the pages of fiction.
This award was first presented to Herman Wouk on Sept. 10, 2008, during a ceremony sponsored by the Center for the Book in the Library’s Coolidge Auditorium. In making his presentation, Librarian of Congress James H. Billington announced that the award would hereafter be named for Herman Wouk. “Herman Wouk’s work epitomizes the historical novel and its ability to transcend its time and place to achieve universality in character and themes,” said Billington. “Herman is a longtime supporter of the Library who has honored us with his presence on many occasions, and
he was among the first group of recipients, during our bicentennial in 2000, of our Living Legend Award.”
During the ceremony, Billington also announced that Wouk had donated 92 volumes of his personal journals dating from the 1930s to the present, the manuscripts of five recent books, correspondence, tapes, posters and photographs, making the Library of Congress the premier repository of Herman Wouk’s work. The Library already held the manuscripts to five Wouk novels, including “The Winds of War” and “War and Remembrance.”
Herman Wouk
Herman Wouk was born in 1915 and raised in the Bronx, N.Y., by Russian Jewish immigrant parents. He graduated from Columbia University in 1934 at the age of 20, soon thereafter was writing radio scripts and by 1936 was working for Fred Allen. Wouk’s first publication was the short play “The Man in the Trench Coat” (1941), followed by “Aurora Dawn” (1947). He won the Pulitzer Prize for one of his most popular works, “The Caine Mutiny” (1951), which was made into a play starring Henry Fonda and a film starring Humphrey Bogart, with each actor playing the role of the
erratic Captain Queeg. The novel draws on Wouk’s experiences in the Navy during World War II.
Wouk’s epic novels about World War II and the Holocaust, “The Winds of War” (1971) and “War and Remembrance” (1978), were made into award-winning television miniseries in 1983 and 1989.
Wouk’s novels are known for their richly detailed stories and historical accuracy, the result of extensive research, much of it conducted at the Library of Congress.
For the subject of his most recent novel, “A Hole in Texas” (2004), Wouk turned to the aborted Superconducting Super Collider project, which left 14 miles of tunneling behind in the Dallas-Fort Worth area when the particle accelerator project was canceled in 1993. A new book is scheduled for publication in 2009.
Related Resources
Distinguished Writer Herman Wouk to Receive Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Library of Congress
Office of the Inspector General
The Inspector General concept is as old as our country. It dates back in part to the Continental Army's custom of having an independent party review the readiness of combat troops. The Library of Congress Office of Inspector General (OIG) fills a similar role. As an independent advisor to the Librarian of Congress, the OIG helps ensure that the Library's business is conducted as honestly and efficiently as possible.
It is no small task. The Library employs 4,000 personnel and has an annual budget over $750 million in appropriated funds and other revenues. It has a strategic five-year plan that lays out ambitious goals and expectations for the future. To meet such expectations, it is essential that fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement within the Library be held in check.
The OIG oversees all Library of Congress programs and operations and has the independence to decide which activities to review. It conducts audits and investigations and reports semiannually to Congress, and also operates a hotline so that anyone can report suspected infractions related to Library activities.
Above all, the goal of OIG is to conduct highly credible, useful, and timely reviews that support the Library's objectives.
See how the Office of the Inspector General is organized (PDF, 35 KB).
Our Mission
To serve as an independent advisor to the Librarian of Congress in the promotion of economy, efficiency, and effectiveness by detecting and preventing fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in Library programs and operations.
To conduct accountability reviews and make recommendations that contribute substantially to the effective management of the Library of Congress and help establish it as a model agency for continuous improvement.
Learn more about inspectors general throughout the federal government.
Publications
FY '08 Audit Plan (PDF, 739 KB)
Strategic Plan (PDF, 290 KB)
Contact Us
If you have any questions or comments, please call us at the following number: (202) 707-6314.
To report suspected fraud, waste, abuse or mismanagement within the Library, please call or e-mail our hotline:
(202) 707-6306.
oighotline@loc.gov
Host an Event
Host an Event | Event Facilities | Guidelines | Application | Pricing | Caterers
Is your organization interested in having its next dinner or reception on Capitol Hill?
The Library of Congress offers some beautiful rooms in its Jefferson and Madison Buildings, located at the corner of First Street and Independence Avenue, S.E., for evening events.
The Library of Congress, the largest library in the world and America's oldest federal cultural institution, was founded in 1800 to serve the needs of Congress. The Library has grown into an unparalleled treasure house of the world's knowledge and America's creativity. Your guests will have the opportunity to learn more about the architecture and collections of the Library of Congress through viewing its exhibits such as the "American Treasures of the Library of Congress" and other current exhibitions, and meeting Library of Congress staff.
Contact the Office of Special Events and Public Programs:
Phone: (202) 707-5218
Fax: (202) 707-9898
Email: specialevents@loc.gov
Event Facilities
The Great Hall
The Great Hall in the Library's Thomas Jefferson Building is a two-story room decorated in the Italian Renaissance style with beautiful murals, mosaics, and vaulted marble ceilings. Built in the 1890's, the Jefferson Building is located at 10 First Street, S.E. directly across from the U.S. Capitol. Your guests will be awed by this magnificent space which can accommodate up to 450 people for cocktails and seated dinner, and up to 1200 for a standing reception.
Montpelier Room
The Montpelier Room in the Library's James Madison Memorial Building is a penthouse-style room on the sixth floor. There are floor-to-ceiling windows and a wrap-around balcony with spectacular views of the U.S. Capitol and the city. Completed in 1980, the Madison Building is located at 101 Independence Avenue, S.E. Your guests will enjoy this room that can accommodate up to 250 guests for a seated dinner, and up to 400 people for a standing reception. The James Madison Memorial Building is the national monument to the fourth U.S. president, James Madison.
Madison Hall
The Madison Hall, in the Library's James Madison Memorial Building, is located on the first floor. This elegant room has high vaulted marble ceilings, inscriptions from Madison's speeches on the walls, and houses a statue of James Madison. This room can accommodate a seated dinner for 80, and standing receptions for up to 200. The James Madison Memorial Building, completed in 1980 and located at 101Independence Avenue, S.E., is the national monument to the fourth U.S. president, James Madison.
Mumford Room
The Mumford Room in the Library's James Madison Memorial Building is located on the sixth floor. This room is ideally suited for a lecture-type seating arrangement for up to 180 people.
There is a built-in amplification system in the room. The room can also be used for standing receptions for up to 200 guests, and seated dinners for up to 96 guests. The James Madison Memorial Building, completed in 1980 and located at 101 Independence Avenue, S.E., is the national monument to the fourth U.S. president, James Madison.
Mary Pickford Theater
The Mary Pickford Theater, in the Library's James Madison Memorial Building, is located on the third floor. The theater, named after the renowned actress and producer, can accommodate audiences of up to 64 for film screenings, lectures, and briefings. The room has a built-in theater screen and a booth with equipment for projecting various formats of media (e.g. reel-to-reel films, VHS videos, DVDs, etc.). Audio/video equipment in the theater must be operated by professional technicians, who are scheduled through the Special Events Office. Small receptions can be held in a foyer located just outside of the theater. The James Madison Memorial Building, completed in 1980 and located at 101 Independence Avenue, S.E., is the national monument to the fourth U.S. president, James Madison.
Guidelines
The following information is provided to assist in planning your special event at the Library of Congress. For further information, contact the Office of Special Events and Public Programs, at (202) 707-5218.
Availability of Library of Congress Facilities
Each year the Library of Congress approves a limited number of proposals from outside organizations to hold special events in Library facilities. Proposals are accepted from corporations and cultural, educational, literary or scientific non-profit organizations (as described under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code). The Library evaluates proposals on the basis of the event's relation to the Library's mission, programs or collections.
Library of Congress facilities are not available for:
Events scheduled between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, or for events scheduled on Sunday or holidays;
Events of a primarily personal, political or fund-raising nature;
Events where the sponsor is planning to charge admission fees, make collections, seek contributions, give door prizes, have auctions or raffles;
Events sponsored by organizations practicing discrimination based on race, color, creed, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, or condition of physical ability;
Events where the sponsor intends to use the Library facility for advertising or promoting any product or service for profit;
Events where the sponsor intends to conduct religious or lobbying activities, hearings, press conferences, or recurring meetings.
Reservations
Proposed events are scheduled through the Office of Special Events and Public Programs. Please call (202) 707-5218 to reserve a date and to request information on preparing and submitting an event proposal. The Library will reserve space for you conditionally, pending receipt and review of your event proposal. Your proposal must be received by the Library within four weeks of your original request for space.
Event Proposals
To apply to hold an event at the Library, submit a written proposal that includes a description of the event and the planned agenda, audience, funding, and entertainment, along with your organization's annual report and tax certificate (if claiming non-profit status). Your proposal should include the information identified in the sample proposal letter. To facilitate processing, please fax your letter to (202) 707-9898. The letter should be addressed as follows:
The Honorable James H. Billington
Librarian of Congress
The Library of Congress
101 Independence Ave., S.E.
Washington, DC 20540-1000
Your event proposal should describe an existing or suggested relationship with the Library of Congress in order for your request to be considered. Your request will be evaluated on the basis of the proposed event's relation to the Library's mission, programs, or collections. The Office of Special Events and Public Programs will notify you of the Library's decision.
Agreement, Budget and Deposit
If your event is approved, the Office of Special Events and Public Programs will provide you with a Special Events Agreement (PDF-146k) that identifies the terms and conditions for holding events at the Library.
As a sponsor of an event at the Library of Congress, you are responsible for all costs associated with the event. The Library has established standard administrative fees for events in different spaces within Library facilities. The budget will include both the standard rate for the space approved for your use and event-specific costs estimated based on your event proposal and event planning discussions with your point of contact.
You must return the signed agreement together with the administrative fee for your event. The due date for returning the signed agreement and advance payment and the amount of the advance payment will be specified in the agreement. Please note, if the Library does not receive your advance payment by the date identified in your agreement, we will be forced to cancel your event.
Your payment to the Library (as well as any refund following the event) will be executed via electronic funds transfer (EFT). The Library collects the data necessary for EFT on the Financial Information Request form (PDF-52k). If you are unable to execute an EFT, and must pay by check, please contact the Special Events Office.
Cancellations and Refunds
If you cancel your reservation more than 30 days before the date of the event, the Library will refund 75 percent of the administrative fee excluding any direct costs incurred. If you cancel the event 30 days or less before the date of the event, the Library will retain 100 percent of your administrative payment, and any direct costs incurred. The remainder of the direct costs will be refunded to you.
A reservation may be canceled at the discretion of the Librarian of Congress or if a subsequent request for the same date is received from the Congressional leadership or the White House. In these extremely rare cases, all of your payments will be refunded in full or you will be offered an alternative space and/or date.
Policies
Caterers
You may work with your preferred caterer; however, caterers not listed on our web site must be approved by the Library. Only professional, full-service caterers may be hired for events held in Library spaces. Caterers must have a certificate of insurance on file at the Library or present one upon request. You must be sure to provide your caterers with the Library's list of operational requirements (PDF-73k) for all caterers that provide services in Library of Congress spaces. The Public Programs Service Manager will review these guidelines and arrangements with your
selected caterer.
Insurance
You must require vendors used for your event to provide evidence of insurance limits and to name the Library of Congress as an additional insured for the use of the facility. Such evidence of insurance may be provided by a Certificate of Insurance and must be received by the Special Events Office at least one month prior to event.
Invitations/Programs
Prior to printing, you must submit your invitation or program text for review and approval to the Office of Special Events and Public Programs.
Use of Name, Seal or Image
You may not use the Library's name, seal or image in any document without prior review and approval by the Office of Special Events and Public Programs.
Application
Sample
[DATE]
The Honorable James H. Billington
The Librarian of Congress
101 Independence Avenue, S.E.
Washington, DC 20540-1000
Dear Dr. Billington:
On behalf of [organization], I am inquiring about the use of the Library of Congress [name of room] on the evening of [date] for [event].
The [organization] is a corporation or a[Identify whether your organization is a cultural, educational, literary, scientific or other organization as defined in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or another type of organization.]
[Describe the type, purpose, and time frame of the planned event, and the event's relation to the Library's mission, programs, or collections.]
[Paragraph outlining relevant connection of the proposed event to the Library. This connection is required for use of Library facilities. Describe existing or proposed relationship with the Library of Congress; e.g., sponsorship of a current or forthcoming Library initiative.]
[Organization] agrees to pay the standard administrative fee of [$ amount] plus direct expenses for the event, such as overtime, cleaning, and signage. I understand that the Library's Special Events Office will provide a budget outlining these costs.
I hope that you will give serious consideration to this request. [Name and title of senior level contact] will be in touch with your Office of Special Events and Public Programs to discuss this proposal.
Sincerely,
[Signed by the head of the organization]
Proposal should be on organization letterhead and be signed by the head of the organization.
Doing Business
Doing Business | What We Buy | How We Buy | How to Market to Us | For Vendors
The Library of Congress is committed to attracting suppliers of quality goods and services. Our aim in Contracts & Logistics Services is to provide high quality, on time service, in an efficient manner and at the best price for our Library customers. We are also committed to seeking out and providing opportunities for small, minority, and woman-owned businesses. In concert with our purchasing organization, diversity development ensures the existence of internal and external programs designed to provide diverse suppliers with open access to our contract opportunities.
Library Purchasing Philosophy
The Library of Congress' purchasing philosophy is built on four guiding principles:
We make our requirements known and will not restrict the ability of responsible and qualified suppliers to compete for our contracts.
We have no hidden factors in evaluating proposals.
We award contracts to individuals or companies that offer us the best value for our purchasing dollars.
We promote economic development in the community we serve by seeking out and providing access to small, minority, and woman-owned businesses to compete for our contracts.
Library Requirements
Vendors and potential vendors can access requests for quotes, request for bids, solicitations, downloadable forms, and other information.
Effective January 1, 2002, all new Library requirements will be posted on the FEDBIZ site.
Notice to Customers and Donors Making Payment by Check
As of March 1, 2005 all personal checks received by the Library of Congress Disbursing Office, will be converted into an electronic funds transfer (EFT). This means the Disbursing Office will electronically scan your check, which will make both a front and back copy of your check and use the account information on it to electronically debit your account for the amount of the check. The debit from your account will usually occur within 24 hours, and will be shown on your regular bank account statement.
You will not receive your original check back. We will destroy your original check, but we will retain the copy of it. If the EFT cannot be processed for technical reasons, you authorize us to process the copy in place of your original check. If the EFT cannot be completed because of insufficient funds, we may try to make the transfer up to two times.
Privacy Act – A Privacy Act Statement required by 5 U.S.C. § 552a(e)(3) stating our authority for soliciting and collecting the information from your check, and explaining the purposes and routine uses which will be made of your check information, is available from our internet site at www.pcc.gov, or call at 202-707-5202 to obtain a copy by mail. Furnishing the check information is voluntary, but a decision not to do so may require you to make payment by some other method.
What We Buy
To operate the world's largest repository of information, the Library of Congress buys a variety of goods and services including:
Office Supplies
Services
Equipment
Information Technology
Library Services
Supplies, Services and Equipment
Miscellaneous Supplies and Services
Automation
Office Supplies
Information Technology (software)
Telecommunications (software)
Shelving (book stack, industrial special purpose)
Publications
Furniture
Book Trucks
Card Catalogue Cases
Paper Products
Binders
Toner Cartridges
Map Cases
Laboratory Supplies
Serials
Services
Motion Picture and Broadcasting
Auditing
Photographic
Expert/Consultant
Maintenance and Repair
Trash Removal
Temporary Employment
Security
Printing
Advertising
Training
Design (Exhibits)
Hazardous Waste Removal
Arbitration
Personnel (Job Analysis)
Custodial Services
Food Services
Preservation
Fire and Safety
Back to Top
Equipment
Photocopying
Vehicles
Information Technology (hardware)
Personal Computers
Lap Tops
CPU's
Telecommunication (Hardware)
Library Binding
Record Player/Cassette Player machines
Talking Book-Machines (Phonographs)
Security (X-Ray machines)
FAX Machines
Warehouse Equipment
Forklifts
Information Systems
Information Systems (Hardware and Software)
Telecommunications (Hardware and Software)
Library Services
Publications
Periodicals
Serials/Subscriptions
Books
On-Line legal subscription services
Bibliographic Utilities
Copyright Clearances
Technical Process
Information Retrieval Services
Major Commodities Purchased
Supplies, Services and Equipment
Advertising
Consulting
Training
Personnel Support
Coin Operated Copiers
Office Supplies
Cleaning Services
Rubbish/Trash Removal
Food Services
Miscellaneous Supplies and Services
Packing and Crating Services
Temporary Office Services
Printing
Publications
Reports
Labels
Automation
Automated Data Processing Equipment
Research and Development of Automated Equipment
How We Buy
Now that you know what we purchase you also need to know how we purchase. Before you read about the marketing of goods and services to the Library of Congress, you should understand the manner in which we solicit and award our contracts.
We are Different
The Library of Congress is a Federal Government agency that is a part of the Legislative Branch. Because of this status, we are not subject to many of the laws that ordinarily apply to Executive Branch Agencies. While we follow the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) in spirit and content, we have the authority to deviate from the FAR when it is in the best interest of the Library to do so.
In addition, unlike Executive Branch Agencies, the Library is not subject to the Small Business Act. However, the Library does not ignore its corporate responsibilities to the small business community. In fact, one of the main objectives of our supplier diversity program is to continually seek out and foster contract opportunities for small, minority, and woman-owned businesses.
Competition
A foundation of our purchasing policy is competition. We compete the majority of our contracts. We do follow the FAR standard of "full and open competition." We ensure that the Library receives both the best value and a fair and reasonable price. We evaluate all potential suppliers based on the quality, service, delivery schedule and price offered, but we provide contracting opportunities to all American businesses and entrepreneurs. We are always looking to expand the diversity of our supplier base.
Solicitation Types
The Library utilizes the standard solicitation types which are explained in the Federal Acquisition Regulation. We request oral quotes on all credit card orders that are not in excess of $2,500.
We use the Request for Quotations # (RFQ) in all simplified acquisitions that do not exceed $100,000. On rare occasions the Library issues an Invitation For Bid# (IFB). Since most of our procurements are awarded on a competitive basis, we use the Request for Proposals # (RFP) in contract actions that are in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold.
The FEDLINK Program
FEDLINK is the Library of Congress' government-wide multi-agency cooperative contracting program which is sponsored by the Federal Library and Information Center Committee (FLICC). The FEDLINK Contracts staff awards approximately 5,000 contractual actions for over 900 Federal Agencies valued at $113 million annually.
Information about the FEDLINK Program procurement opportunities are listed under "Contracting and Vendor Services" on the FEDLINK Web site.
Environmental Protection Policy and Principles
The Library of Congress is committed to providing our customers and employees with a safe and healthy environment. Protecting our environment is not only the right thing to do -- it is sound business practice. We encourage our suppliers to comply with our environmental operating principles:
To meet or exceed all applicable rules and regulations.
To incorporate environmental considerations into our business planning processes.
To foster the sustainable use of natural resources by promoting pollution prevention, reducing waste, recycling, and reusing materials.
Standard and Simplified Procedures
Our buyers use two basic purchasing procedures — standard and simplified. Standard procedures apply to highly complex supplies and services and to high dollar value contracts. Simplified procedures are for purchases of "standard commercial items" or services that do not exceed $100,000.
Payment (Invoices)
All invoices submitted for payment must be itemized and rendered in duplicate to:
Library of Congress
FSD/AD/AOS (9112) Office
101 Independence Avenue, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20540-9112
A Library of Congress purchase order number and the name of the (COTR) contracting officer's technical representative must appear on all invoices.
In addition, for payment status and information, visit the Library's Financial Services Directorate web site www.loc.gov/fsd.
While the Library of Congress is not subject to the Prompt Payment Act, it is our policy to process invoices for payment 30 days from delivery and acceptance of goods/services or the receipt of a proper invoice, whichever is later, unless alternate payment terms are specified in the contract/purchase order.
How to Market to Us
Point of Entry
The primary point of entry into the Library of Congress purchasing system is the Office of Contracts, located in the John Adams Bldg, Room 325, 2nd St, S.E. (between Independence Ave. & East Capitol Street) Washington, D.C. 20540-9410.
You may market your products/services to this office by submitting a business prospectus and completing a Solicitation Mailing List Application (See Form SF129). Note: See mailing address in Section 5 if you cannot bring it to the office. To conduct marketing activities on-site at the Library of Congress, vendors should contact the Contracts and Logistics Services for further guidance prior to canvassing our downtown offices.
Advertised Procurement Opportunities
Complete open-market solicitations for procurements in excess of $100,000 are posted on this web site in Section 4. In addition, procurement opportunities that are valued at more than $25,000 are synopsized in the Commerce Business Daily.
Getting on the Bidder's Mailing List
All prospective offerors seeking to do business with the Library of Congress must first fill out the Standard Form (SF) 129, "Solicitation Mailing List Application", and return it to the Library of Congress by e-mail to JGRI@loc.gov, or mail to Contracts and Logistics, LA-325, 101 Independence Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C. 20540-9410. The SF 129 is on this web site. In order to conduct business with the Library of Congress, vendors are required to be placed on our Bidders Mailing List and all vendors must enter our database for payment by Electronic Funds Transfer.
Generally, the Library makes payments by Electronic Funds Transfer. A waiver must be granted to receive payment in any other form. See wavier forms under Section 6.
Submitting Bids or Proposals
Bids or proposals may be submitted to the Library of Congress in response to solicitation requirements which appear on the web site and generally advertised in the Commerce Business Daily.
Unsolicited proposals are accepted and reviewed, but only processed if the idea is novel and not already an established need of the Library. (See Unsolicited Proposals written up later in this section).
The Library has a credit card program for purchases that are less than $2,500. In addition, purchase orders are generally awarded on a competitive basis for requirements that aggregate in dollar values in excess of $2,500, but less than $100,000. Bids or proposals that are submitted in response to a RFQ, IFB or a RFP should be submitted in a sealed envelope with the requisite number of copies to the Contracts Office specified in the solicitation document.
Unsolicited Proposals
The Library of Congress has an Unsolicited Proposal Program to consider proposals outside the scope of those made in response to a solicitation. Such proposals generally include novel offers or concepts, products, processes, or technology to which a supplier has a patent, trademark or other proprietary rights. Marketing efforts for commercial products and offers relating to previous Library contracts or proposals are not considered under the program.
Sales of Library of Congress Items
In addition to being interested in contracting with the Library, some suppliers may wish to purchase items from the Library of Congress. The Library maintains two gift shops, one in the foyer of the James Madison Memorial Building and one on the ground floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building.
Business Ethics
We are also committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct in all of our business dealings. Under government-wide regulations issued by the Office of Government Ethics, our employees are prohibited from accepting gifts or gratuities from our suppliers or from persons seeking contracts or other types of business. While these rules do allow for limited exceptions for items of nominal value, the offer or acceptance of gifts is inappropriate and discouraged, even if such practices are customary in the commercial world.
Code of Ethics
It is the Library's policy to conduct itself ethically and fairly in relation to its vendors and all others with whom it does business. We fully endorse the "Standards of Purchasing Practice" of the National Association of Purchasing Management.
Our objectives include:
The purchase of material and services that will bring the maximum value for dollars spent.
The maintenance of fair and ethical relationships with all responsible vendors and potential vendors.
The encouragement of existing and potential vendors to present ideas and suggestions that can be mutually profitable.
The promotion of competition while maintaining the confidential nature of vendors' ideas.
For Vendors
Office of the Chief Financial Officer
(202) 707-5225
fsdacc@loc.gov
Receive Status of Invoices and Other Transactions
Starting July 1, 2005, vendors will receive a weekly Status of Invoice and Other Transactions via e-mail.
If the Library does not have your e-mail address, please send the following information via e-mail to fsdacc@loc.gov. Your request should include the following information:
Vendor Name
Vendor Code (Taxpayer ID Number or Social Security Number)
Complete Address
Company Point of Contact Name, Phone Number
Email Address
Current Purchase Order, Delivery Order or Contract Number
Change Vendor Information
To change your address or banking information with the Library of Congress, please click on the link below and print the form. The completed form should be faxed to (202) 707-4261.
Financial Information Request Form (PDF, 270 KB)
Invoice Questions
If you have questions or concerns about payment information displayed at this site, please contact the Accounting Operations Office at 202-707-5225.
Avoid Mail Delays
To avoid possible mail delays, vendors are encouraged to send invoices using alternate delivery services such as Federal Express, Airborne, UPS, etc.
Sending Invoices via E-Mail
Invoices may also be sent electronically. Invoices sent by electronic means should be attached to an e-mail message addressed to fsdacc@loc.gov. The following formats are accepted: Word, WordPerfect, Excel, PDF (Adobe), and HTML. Please do not mail additional copies of invoices which have been sent electronically.
Contracts and Logistics Vendor Forms
Form SF-129, "Solicitation Mailing List Application" (PDF, 67 KB)
Vendor Survey Form, Electronic Funds Transfer (PDF, 100 KB)
More Information
For brief descriptions of current purchasing opportunities over $25,000, consult the Commerce Business Daily.
For copies of solicitations for current purchasing opportunities over $100,000, visit FEDBIZ.
Mail all bids, proposals or quotes to:
Library of Congress
Office of Contracts
101 Independence Avenue, SE
Washington, D.C. 20540-9411
Mail Solicitation Mailing List Applications and business prospectus to:
Library of Congress
Office of Contracts
101 Independence Avenue, SE
Washington, D.C. 20540-9411
To visit us, our address is:
Library of Congress
Office of Contracts
John Adams Bldg, Room 325
2nd St., S.E. (between Independence Ave. and East Capitol Street)
Washington, D.C. 20540-9411
To contact us:
Phone: (202) 707-9129
Fax: (202) 707-8611
E-Mail: contops@loc.gov
Our hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (except holidays). We have no specific interview hours; however, it is suggested that appointments be made in advance.
Our Organization
The mission of the Library of Congress is to make its resources available and useful to Congress and the American people and sustain and preserve a universal collection of knowledge and creativity for future generations. The collaboration of the following units makes this possible.
Congressional Research Service
CRS is committed to providing 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.
Copyright
The mission of the Copyright Office is to promote creativity by administering and sustaining an effective national copyright system.
Enabling Infrastructures
The following units support the Library's day-to-day operations:
Office of Security and Emergency Preparedness
Office of the Chief Financial Officer
Human Resources Services
Integrated Support Services
Law Library of Congress
The mission of the Law Library of Congress is to provide research and legal information to the U.S. Congress as well as to U.S. Federal Courts and Executive Agencies, and to offer reference services to the public ... To accomplish this mission, it has created the world's largest collection of law books and other legal resources from all countries, and now moves into the age of digitized information with online databases and guides to legal information worldwide.
Library Services
The mission of Library Services is to develop qualitatively the Library's universal collections, which document the history and further the creativity of the American people and which record and contribute to the advancement of civilization and knowledge throughout the world, and to acquire, organize, provide access to, maintain, secure, and preserve these collections.
Office of the Librarian
The Library's mission is to make its resources available and useful to the Congress and the American people and to sustain and preserve a universal collection of knowledge and creativity for future generations.
Office of Strategic Initiatives
The OSI mission is to support the Library of Congress' vision and strategy by directing the overall strategic planning for the Library and the national program for long-term preservation of digital cultural assets, leading a collaborative institution-wide effort to develop consolidated digital future plans, and integrating the delivery of information technology services.
Information Technology Services (ITS) is a directorate of the Office of Strategic Initiatives (OSI). ITS supports the Library's mission through the following groups: Resources Management Staff, Systems Development Groups (4), Production Systems Groups (2), Data Administration Staff, Technology Assessment Staff, the Computer Operations Group, the Systems Engineering Group and the User Support Group.
Federal Benefits
Federal Employees Health Benefits
Federal Dental and Vision Program
Federal Employees Group Life Insurance
Long Term Care Insurance
Retirement
Thrift Savings Plan
Flexible Spending Accounts
Salaries
Paid Leave
Holidays
Work Schedules
Awards
Training
Transportation Subsidies
The Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB)
The Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program can help you to meet your health care needs. Federal employees, retirees and their survivors enjoy the widest selection of health plans in the country. You can choose from among Fee-for-Service (FFS) plans, regardless of where you live, or Plans offering a Point-of-Service (POS) Product and Health Maintenance Organizations
(HMO) if you live (or sometimes if you work) within the area serviced by the plan. Some FFS plans are open to all enrollees, but some require that you join the organization that sponsors the plan.
Some plans limit enrollment to certain employee groups. Membership requirements and/or limitations also apply to any POS product the FFS plan may be offering.
The Office of Personnel Management's website at www.opm.gov/insure allows you to compare the costs, benefits, and features of different plans. Federal employees can use pre-tax dollars to pay health insurance premiums to the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program under the "Premium Conversion" program. Premium conversion uses Federal tax rules, which allows employees to deduct their share of health insurance premiums from their taxable income, thereby reducing their taxes. This plan is similar to the private sector, which has allowed employees to deduct health insurance premiums from their taxable incomes for many years.
Federal Dental and Vision Program (FEDVIP)
In an effort to give employees additional healthcare choices – the government introduced a new dental and vision program - FEDVIP. Employees may elect to enroll for dental benefits, vision benefits or both using pretax dollars to pay for the premiums. However, there is no federal government contribution. You may enroll in a plan for self-only, self plus one, or self and family coverage. Eligible family members include an enrollee's spouse and unmarried dependent children under the age of 22, or if age 22 or older, incapable of self-support. The rules for family
members' eligibility are the same as they are for the FEHB Program.
Employees must be eligible for the FEHB Program in order to be eligible to enroll in FEDVIP. It does not matter if they are actually enrolled in FEHB - eligibility is the key. For additional information visit the OPM website at www.opm.gov/insure/
DentalVision to see vendor and rate information.
Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI)
The Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program provides group term life insurance. As such, it does not build up any cash value or paid-up value. It consists of Basic life insurance coverage and three options. In most cases, if you are a new Federal employee, you are automatically covered by Basic life insurance and your payroll office deducts premiums from your paycheck unless you waive the coverage. In addition to the Basic, there are three forms of Optional insurance that you can elect. You must have Basic insurance in order to elect any of the options. Unlike Basic, enrollment in Optional insurance is not automatic -- you must take action to elect the options.
The cost of Basic insurance is shared between you and the Government. You pay 2/3 of the total cost and the Government pays 1/3. Your age does not affect the cost of Basic insurance. You pay the full cost of Optional insurance, and the cost depends on your age.
The Office of Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (OFEGLI), which is a private entity that has a contract with the Federal Government, processes and pays claims under the FEGLI Program. For more information on the program, you can visit the Office of Personnel Management’s website at www.opm.gov/insure/life.
Long Term Care Insurance (LTC)
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) sponsors a long-term care insurance program exclusively for members of the Federal Family. Long Term Care (LTC) insurance can help you pay for long-term care services you may need if you can’t take care of yourself because of an extended illness or injury, or an age-related disease. Long-term care is a smart way to protect your assets and remain financially independent should you need long-term care services at home, in a nursing home or at another long term care facility. LTC insurance can supplement care provided by family members, reducing the burden you place on them.
For more information on the program, you can visit the Office of Personnel Management’s website at www.opm.gov/insure/ltc.
Retirement
Library staff are covered under one of two retirement plans: FERS or CSRS. The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) covers almost all new Federal civilian employees hired after 1983. It was designed in response to changing times and Federal workforce needs. Many of its features are "portable" so that employees who leave Federal employment may still qualify for the benefits. The new retirement system is flexible. Covered employees are able to choose what is best for their individual situation. The retirement system is a three tiered retirement plan. The three components are Social Security Benefits, Basic Benefit Plan, and Thrift Saving Plan Benefits. Retirement benefits under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) are financed by both the employee and Government contributions to the retirement fund, and provide benefits based on length of service and the average salary over the highest three years of pay. This retirement system covers most Federal civilian employees hired before 1983.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a retirement savings and investment plan for Federal employees. The purpose of the TSP is to provide retirement income. It offers Federal civilian employees the same type of savings and tax benefits that many private corporations offer their employees under so-called "401(k)" plans. Employees covered by the Federal Employee's Retirement System (FERS) and the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) can contribute to the TSP. The rules are different for FERS and CSRS employees.
FERS Participants – you may elect to contribute any dollar amount or percentage of your basic pay. However, you annual dollar total cannot exceed the Internal Revenue Code limit, which is $15,500 for 2007. Once you are eligible, you will receive: Agency Automatic (1%) Contributions; Agency Matching Contributions; and immediate vesting in Agency Matching Contributions and vesting generally in 3 years in Agency Automatic (1%) Contributions.
CSRS Participants - you may elect to contribute any dollar amount or percentage of your basic pay. However, you annual dollar total cannot exceed the Internal Revenue Code limit, which is $15,500 for 2007. CSRS participants do not receive any agency contributions.
All Participants - The TSP offers the following features: before tax savings and tax-deferred investment earnings; low administrative and investment expenses; choice of investments in six funds:
Government Securities Investment (G) Fund; Common Stock Index Investment (C) Fund; and Fixed Income Index Investment (F) Fund; Small Capitalization Stock Index (S) Fund; International Stock Index (I) Fund; and the Lifecycle (L) Funds; Interfund transfers; loans from your own contributions and earnings while you are in Federal Service; limited in-service withdrawals for financial hardship or after you reach age 59 ½; portable benefits and a choice of withdrawal options after you separate from Federal Service; spouses' rights protection for loans and withdrawals;
automated telephone service (the Thriftline) for up-to-date account information and other services; and a web site www.tsp.gov with TSP information and materials, including calculators for personal account projections and on-line account transactions.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) offer tax savings by allowing you to pay for out-of-pocket expenses with pre-tax money for health care and dependent care expenses. A Health Care FSA (HCFSA) pays for the uncovered or unreimbursed portions of qualified medical costs. A Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA) allows you to pay eligible expenses for dependent care with pre-tax dollars.
All employee contributions to FSA’s are made from pre-tax earnings, thereby increasing disposable income. The funds put into an FSA are not subject to Federal income and FICA taxes, nor most state and local income taxes. The bottom line is you save 20% to 40% on covered expenses.
For additional information, go to: www.opm.gov/insure/pretax/fsa/index.asp
Competitive Salaries
Cost-of-Living Allowances (COLA) - scheduled annual pay increases.
Special Salary Rates - for certain Information Technology positions.
Locality Pay Adjustment - for the Washington-Metropolitan area.
Within-Grade Increases (WIG) - increases in employee's rate of basic pay by advancement from one step of his/her grade to the next after meeting requirements for length of service and performance.
Quality Step Increases (QSI) - an increase in employee's rate of basic pay through an additional within-grade increase granted for sustained high quality performance.
Paid Leave
Annual Leave - An employee may use annual leave for vacations, rest and relaxation, and personal business or emergencies. An employee has a right to take annual leave, subject to the right of the supervisor to schedule the time at which annual leave may be taken. Annual Leave Ceiling - the maximum amount of annual leave that may be carried over into the new leave year is 240 hours (30 days).
* Annual leave is prorated for part-time employees and employees on uncommon tours of duty.
Accrual Rates:
3 years or less of service = ½ day (4 hours) for each pay period
3 years but less than 15 years of service = 3/4 day (6 hours) for each pay period except 1 1/4 day (10 hours) in last pay period of the leave year
15 or more years of service = 1 day (8 hours) for each pay period
Sick Leave - An employee may use sick leave for personal medical needs, care of a family member/bereavement purposes, and/or adoption related purposes. There are no limits on the amount of sick leave that can be accumulated. Unused sick leave accumulated by employees covered by the Civil Service Retirement System will be used in the calculation of their annuities.
Accrual Rates:
Full-time employees = ½ day (4 hours) for each biweekly pay period
Part-time employees = 1 hour for each 20 hours in pay status
Paid Holidays
Ten (10) paid holidays each year: New Years Day; Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.; Presidents Day; Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Columbus Day; Veterans Day; Thanksgiving Day; and Christmas Day.
Flexible Work Schedules
Flexible work schedules are offered in many Library offices instead of traditional fixed work schedules to allow employees to choose their arrival and departure times to help employee's balance work and family or personal responsibilities.
Flextime Schedule - A flexitime schedule permits a staff member to choose his/her own work hours on a daily basis within established constraints, but shall work eight hours each day. During the flexible time a staff member may vary starting and stopping times within established time limits.
Compflex Schedule - A staff member may work more or less than 40 hours per workweek provided that the total work hours for the two-week pay period equals 80 hours. A workday may consist of eight or nine hours and non workdays usually include Saturday and Sunday, and Monday or Friday.
Credit Hours - Credit hours are given for authorized work performed by an employee in excess of his/her regularly scheduled tour of duty on any workday in order to vary the length of a subsequent workday. Such work is compensated by an equal amount of time off.
Compensatory Time Off - employee's may request compensatory time off in lieu of payment for irregular or occasional overtime work or regularly scheduled overtime work.
Incentive Awards
Incentive awards are given to encourage staff members to participate in improving efficiency and economy of Government operations and to recognize and reward staff members, individually or in groups, for their suggestions, inventions, or special achievements which contribute to efficiency, economy, or other improvement in Government operations. Library staff can be considered for Honorary, Cash, On-the-Spot, Job Performance, and Time Off awards.
Training
Library employees receive on-the-job training and are eligible for skill builder classes and full-length courses offered by Library Services' Instructional Design and Training Division and by the Operations Management and Trainings' Center For Learning and Development. Outside training is granted based on relevancy to position and funding.
Transportation Subsidies
Qualified Library Staff members receive $105.00 per month in the form of a Metrochek. Metrocheks are distributed quarterly to be used on the Metrorail system, Virginia Rail Express, MARC commuter trains, county and commuter buses and qualified commercial van pools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Applying for Jobs at the Library of Congress
Interview and Selection Procedures
Pay and Benefits
Explanation of Common Terms Found in LC Vacancy Announcements
Applying for Jobs at the Library of Congress
If I am not a citizen of the United States, am I still permitted to apply for vacancies at the Library of Congress?
Am I required to submit a separate application for each vacancy to which I want to apply or may I submit one and be considered for all vacancies for which I am eligible?
Is applying "online" the only way to apply for a Library vacancy?
A vacancy announcement states that I can apply online or by using a job kit. What is a "job kit" and how do I obtain one?
Why does the Vacancy Announcement recommend sending hard copy applications via Fed Ex and United Parcel Service (UPS)?
If I'm applying for a Library vacancy, what documents must I submit in order for my application to be considered complete?
What is a "Federal-style resume"?
Where can I obtain a copy of the Optional Form 612?
Am I required to complete the Race, Sex, and National Origin form/data? If I don't complete it, does it affect my chances of getting a job with the Library?
After I've applied for an LC vacancy, how will I know if my application has been received?
I am using a job kit to submit my application. May I fax my job kit application to the Library?
I inadvertently submitted an incomplete/erroneous application using the online (AVUE) application system. May I resubmit a complete application and will the system "kick out" the incomplete application?
I submitted an application online through AVUE, but could not upload my resume. How can I get my resume to you?
I applied online through AVUE but have forgotten my User ID. What should I do? Whom should I contact?
The vacancy announcement states that I must submit college transcripts and/or proof of licenses or certification before I can be considered for a Library vacancy. What is the process for submitting these documents?
If I am required to submit a transcript of college courses, must it be an official transcript or is a photocopy sufficient?
Do I have to complete the "work history" section of my application through AVUE? Can't I just submit my resume?
What type of information should I include in my "narrative responses" to the questions in the applicant questionnaire? How long should each narrative response be?
I want to apply for a Library vacancy, but I don't want my current supervisor contacted unless I'm seriously being considered. Do you have to contact my current supervisor?
I submitted a "job kit" by an overnight express courier. Whom may I contact to confirm that the application was received?
I applied for a vacancy that closed over a month ago. Whom should I contact to find out about the status of my application?
I received notice that a vacancy that I had applied for had been cancelled. Will it be re-announced? If yes, am I required to reapply in order to be considered?
I just found out about a vacancy that closed yesterday. May I still submit an application?
Does the Library of Congress follow any special merit-selection guidelines in filling its vacancies?
Applying for Jobs at the Library of Congress
1. If I am not a citizen of the United States, am I still permitted to apply for vacancies at the Library of Congress?
By law, employment at most U.S. Government agencies, including the Library of Congress, is limited to U.S. citizens. However, non-citizens may be hired provided that immigration law and other legal requirements are met, and the Library determines there are no qualified U.S. citizens available for the position. Library requirements are described at www.loc.gov/hr/employment.
2. Am I required to submit a separate application for each vacancy to which I want to apply or may I submit one and be considered for all vacancies for which I am eligible?
You must submit a separate application for each vacancy to which you wish to apply.
3. Is applying "online" the only way to apply for a Library vacancy?
No. The method of applying for a Library vacancy depends on the type of vacancy. Please follow the application instructions listed in the vacancy announcement for the position for which you are applying.
4. A vacancy announcement states that I can apply online or by using a job kit. What is a "job kit" and how do I obtain one?
Although applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online via the Library's Employment Website (www.loc.gov/hr/employment), the Library does offer applicants the option to apply for jobs manually using a paper "job kit".
A "job kit" is a paper application package that can be obtained from the Library of Congress Employment Office. To request a job kit for a particular Library of Congress vacancy, you may call or email the Library of Congress Employment Office at (202) 707-5627 or jobhelp@loc.gov or pick up a copy in person from the Library of Congress Employment Office (Madison Building), Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., in LM-107, 101 Independence Avenue, SE.
5. Why does the Vacancy Announcement recommend sending hard copy applications via Fed Ex and United Parcel Service (UPS)?
Due to security concerns on Capitol Hill, mail delivery from the United States Postal Service is experiencing significant delays and although it is highly recommended that applicants apply online, if you choose to submit a hard-copy application, we recommend that you send it via Fed-Ex or United Parcel Service (UPS) and that you allow at least 72 hours for delivery, even for overnight packages.
You also have the option of hand delivery of your application, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., to the Library of Congress Employment Office (Madison Building).
6. If I'm applying for a Library vacancy, what documents must I submit in order for my application to be considered complete?
Because application requirements can vary by position, it is important to consult the vacancy announcement for a definitive list of required application materials. For example, some types of Library positions require college transcripts and/or proof of licenses or certification; this information will be clearly articulated in the vacancy announcement. Please carefully review the complete vacancy announcement for full "How to Apply" instructions. Failure to submit the required information and/or materials by the announcement's closing date will result in disqualification of your application from further consideration for a position.
Generally speaking, the following requirements apply.
A. If you are applying for a professional, administrative, or supervisory technical position via the Library's (AVUE) online application system, you will be required to complete all mandatory sections of the online application form, including a vacancy specific applicant questionnaire and supporting narratives. You may also upload your resume when applying online, however it is not necessary since the online process includes all elements of the Federal Style Resume.
If you are applying via a job kit, you must complete and submit a scannable application form that includes a vacancy specific applicant questionnaire, an Optional Form-612 or Federal-style resume, and brief narrative statements supporting responses to the applicant questionnaire on supplemental sheets of paper. Each supplemental sheet must include your name and the vacancy announcement number for which you are applying. Any additional application requirements will be specified in the vacancy announcement.
B. If you are applying for a technical position either online via USA Staffing or on paper, you will be required to submit a completed occupational questionnaire, an Optional Form-612 or Federal-style resume, and any additional required application materials specified in the vacancy announcement.
C. If you are applying for a clerical or wage-grade position, you will be required to submit in paper a Standard Form 171 (Application for Federal Employment), Optional Form-612, or Federal-style resume; a description on plain paper demonstrating your competence in each Knowledge, Skill, or Ability (KSA), if applicable; and any additional required application materials specified in the vacancy announcement.
7. What is a "Federal-style resume"?
A Federal-style resume is a resume that incorporates special categories of information required for Federal jobs. Federal-style resumes are now accepted by many Federal agencies in lieu of more traditional government application forms, i.e., the SF-171 and OF-612. If you choose to apply for a Library of Congress position via a job kit, you must submit either a Federal-style resume or an OF-612. Each job kit contains instructions for what must be included in a Federal-style resume. Instructions for completing a Federal-style resume are available at
www.loc.gov/hr/employment.
8. Where can I obtain a copy of the Optional Form 612?
The Optional Form 612 (Optional Application for Federal Employment) may be obtained from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management website at http://www.opm.gov/Forms/ and the Library of Congress Employment Office (Madison Building) Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., in LM-107, 101 Independence Avenue, SE.
9. Am I required to complete the Race, Sex, and National Origin form/data? If I don't complete it, does it affect my chances of getting a job with the Library?
Failure to provide information about your race, sex, and national origin will in no way affect your chances of getting a job with the Library, and you are not required to provide this information on your application. However, the Library urges all applicants to provide this important information; without it, the Library cannot determine accurately whether it is meeting its objective of attracting highly-qualified diverse pools of applicants to Library positions. When you do supply your race, sex and national origin information to the Library, it is treated in a highly confidential manner and used for statistical purposes only. The information is not released to the Selecting Official, the Interview Panel, or anyone else who can affect your application.
10. After I've applied for an LC vacancy, how will I know if my application has been received?
If you apply online, you will be notified immediately via the online system that your application has been submitted successfully. If you apply in paper, you will receive a written "receipt" from the Library's Employment Office indicating that your application has been received.
11. I am using a job kit to submit my application. May I fax my job kit application to the Library?
No. The Library is unable to accept a fax of a job kit application because the kit includes a scannable bubble sheet that you must complete. If you are applying using the job kit, we recommend that you deliver your application materials to the Library's Employment Office between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or send it via Fed-Ex or United Parcel Service (UPS) and allow at least 72 hours for delivery, even for overnight packages. The Library's Employment Office is located in the Madison Building at 101 Independence Avenue, SE, in LM-107.
12. I inadvertently submitted an incomplete/erroneous application using the online (AVUE) application system. May I resubmit a complete application and will the system "kick out" the incomplete application?
If you have discovered the problem before the closing of the announcement, you may withdraw your incomplete/erroneous application from consideration by logging into AVUE, selecting "Jobs I Have Applied For", and checking the "Withdraw from Consideration" box next to the appropriate position. You may then resubmit a new application.
If you have discovered the problem after the closing date of the announcement, you will need to call or e-mail the Library's Employment Office directly at 202-707-5627 or jobhelp@loc.gov to determine whether and how the problem can be corrected.
13. I submitted an application online through AVUE, but could not upload my resume. How can I get my resume to you?
You are not required to submit a resume as part of your online application. However, if you choose to do so, you may fax it to us at 202-707-1454 or email it to jobhelp@loc.gov. Please be sure to include your name and the vacancy announcement number for which the resume is being submitted.
14. I applied online through AVUE but have forgotten my User ID. What should I do? Whom should I contact?
Requests for new User IDs, passwords, or both must be submitted through the online AVUE Help Desk, which is accessible from the main AVUE Log-In page at www.avuedigitalservices.com. The Library does not maintain a separate directory of applicants' User IDs or passwords.
15. The vacancy announcement states that I must submit college transcripts and/or proof of licenses or certification before I can be considered for a Library vacancy. What is the process for submitting these documents?
If you are applying for a position, which requires college transcripts and/or proof of licenses or certification, please refer to the vacancy announcement for any specific instructions.
If you are applying in the Library's AVUE system, you may attach copies to your online application. If you have trouble attaching the required materials online, you may fax them to us at 202-707-1454 or email it to jobhelp@loc.gov. Please be sure to include your name and the vacancy announcement number for which the resume is being submitted.
If you are applying using a job kit, simply include a paper copy with your application materials. Applicants who fail to submit the required documents will be disqualified from further consideration and will not receive an interview.
16. If I am required to submit a transcript of college courses, must it be an official transcript or is a photocopy sufficient?
A photocopy (or a copy downloaded from the university website) is sufficient at the application stage; a self-generated list of courses is also acceptable at this stage. However, if you ultimately are selected for the position, you will be required to provide an official version of your transcript.
17. Do I have to complete the "work history" section of my application through AVUE? Can't I just submit my resume?
Although you are welcome to submit a resume with your application, you must complete all mandatory sections of the online application, including the work history section of the application, in order for your application to receive further consideration.
18. What type of information should I include in my "narrative responses" to the questions in the applicant questionnaire? How long should each narrative response be?
In completing the applicant questionnaire, you are asked to select responses to specific KSA statements that best reflect your highest level of experience or education relative to a competency/KSAO. You are also asked to include a narrative that illustrates relevant experience or education. In these narratives, you should briefly describe specific experience, education, knowledge, and/or training that support your response to each KSAO statement in the applicant questionnaire. Do not simply repeat the KSAO statement or use general language such as "see attached resume".
The length of your narrative responses will vary by KSAO statement; however, a good average length for a narrative response is approximately one paragraph. It is not necessary for you to recount in your narrative responses every experience you have had relative to each KSAO statement; instead, you should focus on recounting one or two specific examples that justify the response that you selected.
19. I want to apply for a Library vacancy, but I don't want my current supervisor contacted unless I'm seriously being considered. Do you have to contact my current supervisor?
The Library will not contact your current supervisor unless you are one of the final candidates under consideration for the position and unless you have given us express permission to do so.
However, failure to give such permission may affect the Selecting Official's hiring decision.
20. I submitted a "job kit" by an overnight express courier. Whom may I contact to confirm that the application was received?
You may contact the Library's Employment Office by phone at 202-707-5627 or by e-mail at jobhelp@loc.gov.
21. I applied for a vacancy that closed over a month ago. Whom should I contact to find out about the status of my application?
Each vacancy announcement includes contact information specific to the particular vacancy. Please refer to the vacancy announcement for contact information.
22. I received notice that a vacancy that I had applied for had been cancelled. Will it be re-announced? If yes, am I required to reapply in order to be considered?
Although the Library tries very hard to limit the instances in which a vacancy must be cancelled, it does happen. Depending on the situation, the vacancy may or may not be re-announced. If the vacancy is re-announced, applicants typically must re-apply in order to be considered. The vacancy announcement re-announcing the cancelled position will contain official instructions on whether and how to re-apply.
23. I just found out about a vacancy that closed yesterday. May I still submit an application?
Unfortunately, you may not. The Library will not consider applications submitted past the official closing date listed on the vacancy announcement. The only exception to this policy is for current Library of Congress employees who are on approved leave or excused absence for the entire period that the vacancy announcement was open. Employees who meet these criteria and who wish to be considered for the position must submit paper applications using a job kit by close of business of the third workday after the vacancy announcement closes. Online applications cannot be accepted after the closing date.
24. Does the Library of Congress follow any special merit-selection guidelines in filling its vacancies?
Yes - The Library of Congress adheres to a formal Merit Selection Plan. This plan describes the objectives, policies, and procedures governing the competitive filling of Library vacancies through merit selection of qualified individuals. Merit selection refers to filling vacancies through a competitive process and includes promotions of employees accomplished through the competitive hiring process. The plan applies to filling Library non-bargaining unit and bargaining unit administrative, professional, clerical, technical, and wage grade or equivalent positions at grades GS-3 through GS-15 and Senior Level (SL), unless covered by a separate negotiated collective bargaining agreement. In the event of a conflict between a provision of this plan and applicable provisions of negotiated collective bargaining agreements, the provisions of the collective bargaining agreements will apply. Read our Merit Selection Plan (PDF document 364K Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader 6.0).
The enormous size and variety of its collections make the Library of Congress the largest library in the world.
Containing approximately 130 million items in virtually all formats, languages, and subjects, these collections are the single most comprehensive accumulation of human expression ever assembled. True to the Jeffersonian ideal, the collections are broad in scope, including research materials in more than 460 languages, more than 35 scripts, and many media.
All researchers must have a Library-issued Reader Identification Card to use any of the Library's public collections. All collections are stored in areas that are off-limits to the public and to staff without authorization. This "closed stack policy," like the reader identification program, ensures the security of the Library's collections. Researchers new to the Library are encouraged to take the "Research Orientation to the Library of Congress" course offered by the Humanities and Social Sciences Division. This 90-minute class, offered throughout the year, is a basic introduction for researchers using any of the Library of Congress collections and resources.
The collections are constantly growing. Materials come to the Library through an acquisitions program that extends throughout the world and includes over fifteen thousand agreements with foreign governments and research institutions for the exchange of research materials; gifts; purchases; transfers from other U.S. government agencies; and copyright deposits. Each day about twenty-two thousand items arrive at the Library. Approximately ten thousand of these items will become part of the permanent collections, selected in accordance with the Library of Congress Collections Policy Statements which provide a plan for developing the collections and maintaining their existing strengths.
The Library's collection building activities cover virtually every discipline and field of study and include the entire range of different forms of publication and media for recording and storing knowledge. The Library has always striven to develop richly representative collections in all fields, except technical agriculture and clinical medicine, which are the collection responsibilities of the National Agricultural Library and the National Library of Medicine, respectively.
For nearly two centuries, the Library of Congress has relied first on its own expert staff, as well as on copyright depositors, bookdealers, scholars, and other experts to assure that the national collections of the United States continue to enable the Library of Congress to fulfill its mission to "sustain and preserve a universal collection of knowledge and creativity for future generations."
Security of the collections, staff, and visitors in the Library of Congress is a top priority of the institution. At the same time, the Library maintains its traditional role as an open, public facility engaged in making its resources available to the American people. The purpose of this Web site is to provide to public users information about the Library's security practices and requirements, particularly those that affect a reader's use of the Library's reading rooms and other research facilities.
Entry and Exit Procedures
All members of the public entering any Library building must pass through a metal detector. All those exiting any Library building must pass through an electronic theft detection system and open all bags, etc., for inspection.
Reader Registration
Those who wish to use any Library reading room must first register, in person, at the Reader Registration Station, present valid photo identification, and receive a Reader Identification Card.
Personal Belongings Restrictions
Researchers are restricted from bringing a variety of personal materials into most of the Library's reading rooms. Cloakrooms are available to check such materials.
Closed Stack System
The Library's stacks are closed to the public. Needed materials must be requested.
Use of Collections Materials
Materials from the collections of the Library of Congress cannot be "checked out" by members of the public and removed from the Library. Materials must be used in the reading room in which they are requested.
Safeguarding Your Personal Property
Normal precautions should be taken by researchers to safeguard their personal property while in the Library.
Conduct on Library Premises
All individuals within the Library must conform to certain standards of behavior and conduct.
Video Surveillance
Activity in the Library's reading rooms is monitored by video cameras and is recorded.
Key Security Contacts
General Information for Researchers
The Library of Congress >> Especially for Researchers >> Research Centers
Home >> Information for Researchers
Find in Main Reading Room Pages Researchers Web Pages All Library of Congress Pages
History and Background of the Library of Congress
The Library of Congress, established by an act of Congress of April 24, 1800, was initially housed in the U.S. Capitol. By year's end the first book order for 740 volumes was sent to Messrs. Cabel and Davis, London booksellers, and shipped back to the new capital city in 11 hair trunks and a map case. The collection, which concentrated on law and legislative procedure, slowly grew to 3,000 volumes by 1814. Tragically, that year the books were used as kindling by the British when they burned the Capitol during the assault on Washington.
To replace the collection quickly, Thomas Jefferson offered his private library to Congress at cost. He described the overall nature of his books as follows: "I do not know that it contains any branch of science which Congress would wish to exclude from the collections; there is, in fact, no subject to which a Member of Congress may not have occasion to refer." This acquisition changed the nature of the Library from a small legislative office to the comprehensive national institution that it was to become.
From Jefferson's approximately 6,500 volumes, which formed the heart of the Library, the holdings grew rapidly in the 19th century. The rewritten copyright law of 1870 required that two copies of each book copyrighted must be deposited in the Library in order to receive protection. The resulting flood of material forced construction of a separate building that opened in 1897. The opening of the Jefferson Building and the Main Reading Room ushered in a new era for the Library. For the first time special format collections such as maps, prints, music, and manuscripts were separated from the book collections and served to readers in differing locations. Continued growth required the construction of two additional buildings at the Library's Capitol Hill location: the Adams Building (1939) and the Madison Building (1980). However, the domed Main Reading Room, inspired by the reading room of the British Museum Library, remains the central access point for the Library's collections. Even those who will go on to work in one of the specialized reading rooms often begin their research in the Main Reading Room in order to use the Computer Catalog Center and the Main Card Catalog, to obtain an orientation to the Library as a whole, or to use some of the approximately 70,000 volumes in the Main Reading Room's reference collection.
Research in the Library is supported by a variety of electronic resources. The Library of Congress Online Catalog provides information about the Library's collections, while public workstations around the Library provide access to a wide variety of reference databases in electronic format.
Use of the Library
The primary function of the Library of Congress is to serve the Congress. In addition, the Library provides service to government agencies, other libraries, scholars, and the general public. The Library welcomes public use of its general reference facilities and endeavors to offer the widest possible use of its collections consistent with their preservation and with its obligation to serve the
Congress and other government agencies.
All researchers preparing to come to the Library are strongly encouraged to pursue preliminary exploration in appropriate public, academic, or special libraries, so that they can make efficient use of the Library of Congress. Readers should be prepared to present photo-identification showing a current address (e.g., a currently valid driver's license or passport) in order to obtain a Library-issued Reader Identification card, needed for admission to Library reading rooms and when requesting materials from the collections stored in closed stacks (LCR 1810-2). Anyone over high school age with appropriate photo-identification may apply for a Reader Identification card; a written introduction is not required.
A high school student will be allowed to use the Library if he or she meets all three of the following conditions:
The student has exhausted all local library resources (school, public, and university) and has identified specific materials available only at the Library of Congress. (This will usually require consultation with a local librarian and an Internet search of the Library's Online Catalog or a search of other bibliographic resources).
The student has a letter from his or her principal describing in detail the student's project and the specific materials the student needs to use.
The student is interviewed by a reference librarian in the appropriate reading room, who makes the final determination as to whether or not the student's project requires use of the Library's collections.
The Library provides much material of potential use to high school students through its website, and an examination of this material may prove sufficient for a student's needs.
Reader Registration
All patrons of the Library's public reading rooms are required to have Reader Identification cards issued by the Library. The cards are free, and can be obtained by presenting a valid driver's license, state-issued identification card, or passport at the Reader Registration Station in Room LM 140, on the first floor of the Madison Building near the Independence Avenue entrance. The Reader Registration Station's hours are: 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday; 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday (closed Sundays and federal holidays).
Researchers must register in person at the Reader Registration Station; the Library cannot take registrations via telephone or the Internet.
Upon completion of a simple self-registration process, the station attendant will check the information, take an identification photo, and issue the printed plastic card to the reader.
Reader Identification cards are good for two years and must be renewed in person when they expire. Researchers with questions about reader registration may call the Reader Registration Station at (202) 707-5278.
The reader registration system is considered a critical component in the Library's collections security program. It is part of a larger plan to protect the Library's collections that was initiated by the Librarian of Congress, James H. Billington, in March 1992. Other components of that plan include closed stacks, installation of surveillance cameras, electronic control of stack doors, and installation of theft detection targets and detection gates.
Classes for First-time Users
First-time users are encouraged to seek assistance at the Information Desks on the ground floor of the Jefferson Building and in the lobby on the first floor of the adison Building. There they will receive an introduction to the facilities and resources of the Library and find brochures describing the Library's reading rooms, collections, and services.
Formal research orientation classes, taught by reference librarians and dealing with many aspects of using the Library, are offered regularly by the Humanities and Social Sciences Division.
These classes are offered on the following Mondays:
Morning Sessions
(10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.):
January 5, 12, 26
February 2, 9, 23
March 2, 16, 30
April 6, 20
Evening Sessions
(6:30-8:00 p.m.):
January 5
February 2
March 2
April 6
Sessions are held in Room G07 of the Jefferson Building. For additional information, or to register for a class, use the online registration form, or phone the Library's Computer Catalog Center at 202-707-3370.
In addition to the regularly scheduled general research orientations, special orientations/tours can sometimes be arranged for specific classes or groups. These programs may be subject-specific depending on the interest of the group and the availability of staff. Due to staffing constraints and availability of meeting space, special orientations/tours can only be scheduled between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Use the online registration form for special orientations to express interest in scheduling a session.
The "Research Orientation to the Library of Congress" course is designed as a basic introduction for researchers using the Library of Congress collections and resources. Each session includes an introduction to the Library's reading rooms and collections; guidelines on how to locate and request materials in a closed-stack library; suggestions on how to conduct research efficiently in the Library of Congress; instruction on how to use Library of Congress Subject Headings and other sources for searching accurately by subject; information on how to find published bibliographies and topical indexes in print and automated formats; information on using the Library's catalogs in card and online forms; procedures for finding citations to journal articles; and an overview of automated resources, including OCLC FirstSearch, other Internet-based subscription services, and CD-ROMs.
Some Library of Congress reading rooms offer research orientations specific to their collections and services. For more information about these orientations, including schedules and registration information, please visit the web pages listed below:
Business Reference Service: Regularly Scheduled Orientations
Law Library Reading Room: Orientation to Legal Research and the Use of Law Library Collections
Local History and Genealogy Reading Room: Tours and Research Orientations
Prints and Photographs Reading Room: Regularly Scheduled Orientations
Science, Technology, and Business Division: Regularly Scheduled Orientations
Online Catalog
The Library of Congress Online Catalog contains approximately 14 million records representing books, serials, computer files, manuscripts, cartographic materials, music, sound recordings, and visual materials. The Online Catalog also displays searching aids for users, such as cross-references and scope notes. The catalog records reside in a single integrated database; they are not separated according to type of material, language of material, date of cataloging, or processing/
circulation status. The Online Catalog is available on the Internet at http://catalog.loc.gov/.
As an integrated database, the Online Catalog includes 3.2 million catalog records from an earlier database. These catalog records, primarily for books and serials cataloged between 1898 and 1980, are being edited to comply with current cataloging standards and to reflect contemporary language and usage. The legend "[from old catalog]" indicates that the headings may deviate from current Library of Congress cataloging policy. For a complete search of books and serials cataloged prior to 1980, researchers onsite at the Library should also use the Main Card Catalog.
Many items from the Library's special collections are accessible to users but are not represented in either the Online Catalog or the Main Card Catalog. In addition, some individual items within collections (microforms, manuscripts, photographs, etc.) are not listed separately in the Online Catalog or the Main Card Catalog, but are represented by collection-level catalog records. In many such cases, the reading room holding the items or collections will have specialized catalogs or finding aids for identifying the materials.
The Online Catalog includes romanized records for Chinese, Japanese, and Korean language material cataloged since 1984, Hebrew and Yiddish cataloged since 1988, and Arabic and Persian cataloged since 1991. These catalog records appear in the Library of Congress Online Catalog with English-language subject headings. In the future, the Online Catalog can display catalog records in the scripts containing non-Roman characters (e.g. Unicode characters) in any of the JACKPHY languages (Japanese, Arabaic, Chinese, Korean, Persian, Hebrew, and Yiddish).
At the Computer Catalog Center near the Main Reading Room, reference librarians provide assistance to researchers using the computer system. The Computer Catalog Center has a variety of equipment for people with disabilities.