[DOCID:185193tx_xxx-10]
From the Government Manual Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Page 54-61]
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
101 Independence Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20540
Phone, 202-707-5000. Internet, http://lcweb.loc.gov/.
Librarian of Congress James H. Billington
Deputy Librarian of Congress Donald L. Scott
Chief of Staff JoAnn Jenkins
Associate Librarian for Library Services Winston Tabb
Associate Librarian for Human Resources Services (vacancy)
Director, Congressional Research Service Daniel Mulhollan
Register of Copyrights and Associate Librarian Marybeth Peters
for Copyright Services
Law Librarian Rubens Medina
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General Counsel Elizabeth Pugh
Inspector General Dale C. Williams
Chief, Loan Division L. Christopher Wright
Library of Congress Trust Fund Board
Chairman (Librarian of Congress) James H. Billington
(Fiscal Assistant Secretary of the Treasury) Donald V. Hammond
(U.S. Senator from Alaska and Chairman, Joint Ted Stevens
Committee on the Library)
Appointive Members Wayne L. Berman,
Patricia Duff,
Julie Finley,
Adele Hall,
John Henry,
Donald G.
Jones, John
Kluge, Bernard
Rapoport, (2
vacancies)
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The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States,
offering diverse materials for research including the world's most
extensive collections in many areas such as American history, music, and
law.
The Library of Congress was established by act of April 24, 1800 (2
Stat. 56), appropriating $5,000 ``for the purchase of such books as may
be necessary for the use of Congress . . . .'' The Library's scope of
responsibility has been widened by subsequent legislation (2 U.S.C. 131-
168d). The Librarian, appointed by the President with the advice and
consent of the Senate, directs the Library.
Supported mainly by the appropriations of Congress, the Library also
uses income from funds received from foundations and other private
sources and administered by the Library of Congress Trust Fund Board, as
well as monetary gifts presented for direct application (2 U.S.C. 154-
163).
Under the organic law, the Library's first responsibility is service
to Congress. As the Library has developed, its range of service has come
to include the entire governmental establishment and the public at
large, making it a national library for the United States.
Activities
Collections The Library's extensive collections are universal in scope.
They include books, serials, and pamphlets on every subject and in a
multitude of languages, and research materials in many formats,
including maps, photographs, manuscripts, motion pictures, and sound
recordings. Among them are the most comprehensive collections of
Chinese, Japanese, and Russian language books outside Asia and the
former Soviet Union; volumes relating to science and legal materials
outstanding for American and foreign law; the world's largest collection
of published aeronautical literature; and the most extensive collection
in the Western Hemisphere of books printed before 1501 A.D.
The manuscript collections relate to manifold aspects of American
history and civilization, and include the personal papers of most of the
Presidents from George Washington through Calvin Coolidge. The music
collections contain volumes and pieces--manuscript and published--from
classic works to the newest popular compositions. Other materials
available for research include maps and views; photographic records from
the daguerreotype to the latest news photo; recordings, including
folksongs and other music, speeches, and poetry readings; prints,
drawings, and posters; government documents, newspapers, and periodicals
from all over the world; and motion pictures, microforms, and audio and
video tapes.
Reference Resources Admission to the various research facilities of the
Library is free. No introduction or credentials are required for persons
over high school age. Readers must register by presenting valid photo
identification with a current address and, for certain collections, like
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those of the Manuscript, Rare Book and Special Collections, and Motion
Picture, Broadcasting, and Recorded Sound Divisions, there are
additional requirements. As demands for service to Congress and Federal
Government agencies increase, reference service available through
correspondence has become limited. The Library must decline some
requests and refer correspondents to a library within their area that
can provide satisfactory assistance. While priority is given to
inquiries pertaining to its holdings of special materials or to subjects
in which its resources are unique, the Library does attempt to provide
helpful responses to all inquirers.
Copyrights With the enactment of the second general revision of the
U.S. copyright law by Act of July 8, 1870 (16 Stat. 212-217), all
activities relating to copyright, including deposit and registration,
were centralized in the Library of Congress. The Copyright Act of 1976
(90 Stat. 2541), as amended and codified, brought all forms of
copyrightable authorship, both published and unpublished, under a single
statutory system which gives authors protection immediately upon
creation of their works. Exclusive rights granted to authors under the
statute include the right to reproduce and prepare derivative works,
distribute copies or phonorecords, perform and display the work
publicly, and in the case of sound recordings, to perform the work
publicly by means of a digital audio transmission. Works eligible for
copyright include literary works (books and periodicals), musical works,
dramatic works, pantomimes and choreographic works, pictorial, graphic,
and sculptural works, motion pictures, sound recordings, and
architectural works. Serving in its capacity as a national registry for
creative works, the Copyright Office registers nearly 600,000 claims to
copyright annually and is a major source of acquisitions for the
universal collections of the Library of Congress.
Extension of Service The Library extends its service through:
--an interlibrary loan system;
--the photoduplication, at reasonable cost, of books, manuscripts,
maps, newspapers, and prints in its collections;
--the sale of sound recordings, which are released by its Recording
Laboratory;
--the exchange of duplicates with other institutions;
--the sale of CD-ROM cataloging tools and magnetic tapes and the
publication in book format or microform of cumulative catalogs, which
make available the results of the expert bibliographical and cataloging
work of its technical personnel;
--a centralized cataloging program whereby the Library of Congress
acquires material published all over the world, catalogs it promptly,
and distributes cataloging information in machine-readable form as well
as by printed cards and other means to the Nation's libraries;
--a cooperative cataloging program whereby the cataloging of data,
by name authority and bibliographic records, prepared by other libraries
becomes part of the Library of Congress data base and is distributed
through the MARC Distribution Service;
--a cataloging-in-publication program in cooperation with American
publishers for printing cataloging information in current books;
--the National Serials Data Program, a national center that
maintains a record of serial titles to which International Standard
Serial Numbers have been assigned and serves, with this file, as the
United States Register; and
--the development of general schemes of classification (Library of
Congress and Dewey Decimal), subject headings, and cataloging, embracing
the entire field of printed matter.
Furthermore, the Library provides for:
--the preparation of bibliographical lists responsive to the needs
of Government and research;
--the maintenance and the publication of cooperative publications;
--the publication of catalogs, bibliographical guides, and lists,
and of texts of original manuscripts and rare books in the Library of
Congress;
--the circulation in traveling exhibitions of items from the
Library's collections;
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--the provision of books in braille and ``talking book'' records, as
well as books on tape, for the blind and the physically handicapped
through 143 cooperating libraries throughout the United States;
--the distribution of its electronic materials via the Internet; and
--the provision of research and analytical services on a fee-for-
service basis to agencies in the executive and judicial branches.
Congressional Research Service The mission of the Congressional
Research Service (CRS) is to provide to the Congress, throughout the
legislative process, comprehensive and reliable legislative research,
analysis, and information services that are timely, objective,
nonpartisan, and confidential, thereby contributing to an informed
national legislature. In the past several years, CRS has responded to
more than 500,000 requests for services from the Congress annually.
CRS evolved from the Legislative Reference Service, established in
1914 by an act of Congress. The statutory authority for CRS in its
current form dates back to the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946,
as amended (2 U.S.C. 72a note), and the Legislative Reorganization Act
of 1970, as amended (2 U.S.C. 166). The 1970 act authorized increased
emphasis on in-depth research and analysis. The function and
capabilities of CRS have grown over the years in response to the
increasing scope of public policy issues on the congressional agenda.
CRS provides multidisciplinary assistance to the Congress at every
stage of the legislative process concerning subject areas relevant to
policy issues before the Congress. Its Director, assisted by a
management team, oversees and coordinates the work of six research
divisions which span the range of public policy subjects and
disciplines: American law; domestic social policy; foreign affairs,
defense, and trade; government and finance; information research; and
resources, science, and industry. The Service's administrative offices
are Finance and Administration, Information Resources Management, Policy
and Quality Assurance, Research Operations, and Workforce Development.
In addition to responding to individual requests for information and
analysis, CRS prepares products and services in anticipation of topics
that likely will be on the legislative agenda, and develops and presents
seminars that provide a forum for discussion among Members of Congress
and their staffs, CRS specialists, and nationally recognized experts on
important legislative issues.
The CRS website provides Members and their staff with access to CRS
products and services and links to public policy, legal, and legislative
resources. CRS and the Library of Congress contribute to the Legislative
Information System, an electronic retrieval system that provides the
Congress with the most current and comprehensive legislative information
available, including bill summaries and status, full text of
legislation, and committee reports.
For further information, call 202-707-5700.
American Folklife Center The Center, which was established in the
Library of Congress by Act of January 2, 1976 (20 U.S.C. 2102 et seq.),
has a coordinative function both in and outside the Federal
Establishment to carry out appropriate programs to support, preserve,
and present American folklife through such activities as receiving and
maintaining folklife collections, scholarly research, field projects,
performances, exhibitions, festivals, workshops, publications, and
audiovisual presentations. The Center is directed by a Board of Trustees
consisting of four members appointed by the President from Federal
agencies; four each appointed by the President pro tempore of the Senate
and the Speaker of the House from private life; four appointed by the
Librarian of Congress; and seven ex officio members, including: the
Librarian of Congress, the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, the
Chairmen of the National Endowment for the Arts and the National
Endowment for the Humanities, the President of the American Folklore
Society, the President of the Society for Ethnomusicology, and the
Director of the Center.
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The Center has conducted projects in many locations across the
country, such as the ethnic communities of Chicago, IL; southern
Georgia; a ranching community in northern Nevada; the Blue Ridge Parkway
in southern Virginia and northern North Carolina; and the States of New
Jersey, Rhode Island, and Montana. The projects have provided large
collections of recordings and photographs for the Archive of Folk
Culture. The Center administers the Federal Cylinder Project, which is
charged with preserving and disseminating music and oral traditions
recorded on wax cylinders dating from the late 1800's to the early
1940's. A cultural conservation study was developed at the Center, in
cooperation with the Department of the Interior, pursuant to a
congressional mandate. Various conferences, workshops, and symposia are
given throughout the year.
The Folklife Center News, a quarterly newsletter, and other
informational publications are available upon request. Many Center
publications and a number of collections are available online through
the Internet, at http://lcweb.loc.gov/folklife/.
The American Folklife Center maintains and administers the Archive
of Folk Culture, an extensive collection of ethnographic materials from
this country and around the world. It is the national repository for
folk-related recordings, manuscripts, and other unpublished materials.
The Center's reading room contains over 3,500 books and periodicals; a
sizable collection of magazines, newsletters, unpublished theses, and
dissertations; field notes; and many textual and some musical
transcriptions and recordings.
For further information, call 202-707-5510.
Center for the Book The Center was established in the Library of
Congress by an act of October 13, 1977 (2 U.S.C. 171 et seq.), to
stimulate public interest in books, reading, and libraries, and to
encourage the study of books and print culture. The Center is a catalyst
for promoting and exploring the vital role of books, reading, and
libraries--nationally and internationally. As a partnership between the
Government and the private sector, the Center for the Book depends on
tax-deductible contributions from individuals and corporations to
support its programs.
The Center's activities are directed toward the general public and
scholars. The overall program includes reading promotion projects with
television and radio networks, symposia, lectures, exhibitions, special
events, and publications. More than 50 national educational and civic
organizations participate in the Center's annual reading promotion
campaign.
Since 1984, 36 States have established statewide book centers that
are affiliated with the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.
State centers plan and fund their own projects, involving members of the
State's ``community of the book,'' including authors, readers, prominent
citizens, and public officials who serve as honorary advisers.
For further information, contact the Center for the Book. Phone, 202-
707-5221. Fax, 202-707-0269. E-mail, cfbook@loc.gov.
National Preservation Program The Library provides technical
information related to the preservation of library and archival
material. A series of handouts on various preservation and conservation
topics has been prepared by the Preservation Office. Information and
publications are available from the Office of the Director for
Preservation, Library of Congress, Washington, DC 20540-4500. Phone,
202-707-1840.
National Film Preservation Board The National Film Preservation Board,
presently authorized by the National Film Preservation Act of 1996 (2
U.S.C. 179), serves as a public advisory group to the Librarian of
Congress. The Board consists of 40 members and alternates representing
the many parts of the diverse American film industry, film archives,
scholars, and others. As its primary mission, the Board works to ensure
the survival, conservation, and increased public availability of
America's film heritage, including advising the Librarian on the annual
selection of films to the National Film Registry and counseling the
Librarian on development
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and implementation of the national film preservation plan. Key
publications are Film Preservation 1993: A Study of the Current State of
American Film Preservation, Redefining Film Preservation: A National
Plan, and Television and Video Preservation 1997: A Study of the Current
State of American Television and Video Preservation.
For further information, call 202-707-5912.
Sources of Information
Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped Talking and braille
books and magazines are distributed through 142 regional and subregional
libraries to blind and physically handicapped residents of the United
States and its territories. Information is available at public libraries
throughout the United States and from the headquarters office, National
Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of
Congress, 1291 Taylor Street NW., Washington, DC 20542-4960. Phone, 202-
707-5100.
Cataloging Data Distribution Cataloging and bibliographic information
in the form of microfiche catalogs, book catalogs, magnetic tapes, CD-
ROM cataloging tools, bibliographies, and other technical publications
is distributed to libraries and other institutions. Information about
ordering materials is available from the Cataloging Distribution
Service, Library of Congress, Washington, DC 20541-4910. Phone, 202-707-
6100. TDD, 202-707-0012. Fax, 202-707-1334. E-mail,
cdsinfo@mail.loc.gov.
Library of Congress card numbers for new publications are assigned
by the Cataloging in Publication Division. Direct inquiries to CIP
Division, Library of Congress, Washington, DC 20540-4320. Phone, 202-
707-6372.
Contracts Persons seeking to do business with the Library of Congress
should contact the Contracts and Logistics Services, Library of
Congress, Landover Center Annex, 1701 Brightseat Road, Landover, MD
20785. Phone, 202-707-8717.
Copyright Services Information about the copyright law (title 17 of the
U.S. Code), the method of securing copyright, and copyright registration
procedures may be obtained by writing to the Copyright Office, Library
of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20559-6000.
Phone, 202-707-3000. Copyright information is also available through the
Internet, at http://lcweb.loc.gov/. Registration application forms may
be ordered by calling the forms hotline at 202-707-9100. Copyright
records may be researched and reported by the Copyright Office for a
fee; for an estimate, call 202-707-6850. Members of the public may,
however, use the copyright card catalog in the Copyright Office without
charge. The database of Copyright Office records cataloged from January
1, 1978, to the present is available through the Internet, at http://
lcweb.loc.gov/copyright/rb.html. The Copyright Information Office is
located in Room LM-401, James Madison Memorial Building, 101
Independence Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20559-6000, and is open to the
public Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. eastern time, except
Federal holidays.
Employment Employment inquiries and applications (on SF-171, OF-612, or
Federal-format resume) should be directed to the Directorate of
Personnel, Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE., Washington,
DC 20540-2200. Potential applicants are encouraged to visit the
Employment Office, Room LM-107, 101 Independence Avenue SE., where
current vacancy announcements and application forms are available. The
personnel hotline provides recorded information on career opportunities.
Phone, 202-707-4315. Internet, http://lcweb.loc.gov/.
Photoduplication Service Copies of manuscripts, prints, photographs,
maps, and book material not subject to copyright and other restrictions
are available for a fee. Order forms for photoreproduction and price
schedules are available from the Photoduplication Service, Library of
Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20540-4570. Phone,
202-707-5640.
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Publications A list of Library of Congress publications, many of which
are of interest to the general public, is available through the
Internet, at http://lcweb.loc.gov/. A monthly Calendar of Events,
listing programs and exhibitions at the Library of Congress, can be
mailed regularly to persons within 100 miles of Washington, DC. Make
requests to the Office Systems Services, Library of Congress, 101
Independence Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20540-9440.
Reference and Bibliographic Services Guidance is offered to readers in
the identification and use of the material in the Library's collections,
and reference service in answer to inquiries is offered to those who
have exhausted local, State, and regional resources. Persons requiring
services that cannot be performed by the Library staff can be supplied
with names of private researchers who work on a fee basis. Requests for
information should be directed to the Reference Referral Service,
Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20540-
4720. Phone, 202-707-5522. Fax, 202-707-1389.
Research and Reference Services in Science and Technology Reference
specialists in the Science, Technology, and Business Division answer
without charge brief technical inquiries entailing a bibliographic
response. Of special interest is a technical report and standards
collection exceeding 3.6 million titles. Most of these are in microform
and may be requested for viewing through the Science Reading Room.
Requests for reference services should be directed to the Science,
Technology, and Business Division, Library of Congress, Science
Reference Section, 101 Independence Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20540-
4750. Phone, 202-707-5639.
An informal series of reference guides is issued by the Science and
Technology Division under the general title LC Science Tracer Bullet.
These guides are designed to help a reader locate published material on
a subject about which he or she has only general knowledge. For a list
of available titles, write to the Science, Technology, and Business
Division, Science Reference Section, Library of Congress, 101
Independence Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20540-4751. Phone, 202-707-5639.
Internet, http://lcweb2.loc.gov/sctb/.
Research Services in General Topics Federal Government agencies can
procure directed research and analytical products on foreign and
domestic topics using the collections of the Library of Congress through
the Federal Research Division. Science, technology, humanities, and
social science topics of research are conducted by staff specialists
exclusively on behalf of Federal agencies on a fee-for-service basis.
Requests for service should be directed to Federal Research Division,
Marketing Office, Library of Congress, Washington, DC 20540-4840. Phone,
202-707-3909. Fax, 202-245-3920.
For further information, contact the Public Affairs Office, Library of
Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20540-8610. Phone,
202-707-2905. Fax, 202-707-9199. Internet, http://www.loc.gov/.
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