Library of Congress FAQ

Answers to your most common questions about Library-of-congress.

Quick, simple, and helpful information at a glance.

What is the Library of Congress?
The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, serving as the research arm of the U.S. Congress and preserving a vast collection of resources and cultural artifacts.
How do I access the Library of Congress?
The Library of Congress is open to the public for research purposes and offers online access to many of its collections and resources through its website.
I am having trouble accessing the Library of Congress website. What should I do?
If you are having trouble accessing the Library of Congress website, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies and then refreshing the page. You may also want to try accessing the site using a different browser or device.
What if I can't find what I am looking for on the Library of Congress website?
If you are having trouble finding a specific resource or information on the Library of Congress website, try using the search function or contacting a librarian for assistance.
How do I borrow books or materials from the Library of Congress?
The Library of Congress does not offer lending services to the general public. However, many of its materials can be borrowed through interlibrary loan services at participating libraries.
What is a MARC record?
A MARC record is a standardized format used by libraries to describe bibliographic information for resources. The Library of Congress maintains the MARC format as a standard for its cataloging records.
Why am I unable to locate a book I found in the Library of Congress catalog?
The Library of Congress does not hold every book or resource in the world, so not all items may be available in their collection. If you are unable to locate a specific resource, you may want to check with your local library or use interlibrary loan services.
How can I request an item that is not held by the Library of Congress?
The Library of Congress offers an interlibrary loan service for requesting materials that are not held in their collection. You can make a request through your local library or through the Library of Congress' online catalog.
Why are some items in the Library of Congress only available to view on-site?
Some materials in the Library of Congress' collection may be fragile, rare, or under restricted access due to copyright or other legal issues. These items may only be viewed on-site in designated reading rooms.
I am having trouble viewing or downloading a digital item from the Library of Congress website. What should I do?
If you are having trouble viewing or downloading a digital item from the Library of Congress website, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies and then refreshing the page. You can also try accessing the item using a different browser or device.
How do I cite an item from the Library of Congress in my research?
The Library of Congress provides guidelines and examples for citing their resources in various citation styles, which can be found on their website.
I found a mistake in a Library of Congress catalog record. How can I report it?
The Library of Congress has a form for reporting errors in their catalog records, which can be accessed through their website.
Why am I experiencing slow loading times on the Library of Congress website?
The Library of Congress website may experience slower loading times during peak usage periods. If you are experiencing ongoing issues with slow loading times, you can contact the Library's website support team for assistance.
What should I do if I am getting an error message on the Library of Congress website?
If you are receiving an error message on the Library of Congress website, try refreshing the page or clearing your browser's cache and cookies. If the error persists, you can contact the Library's website support team for assistance.
Can I volunteer at the Library of Congress?
The Library of Congress does not have a volunteer program, but you can apply for internships or job opportunities through their website.
Is there a way to search for items in the Library of Congress in languages other than English?
Yes, the Library of Congress offers search options for other languages, including Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean. These can be found on their website.
I am unable to open a file from the Library of Congress website. What should I do?
If you are having trouble opening a file from the Library of Congress website, try using a different application or viewing the file on a different device. If the issue persists, you can contact the Library's website support team for assistance.
Can I donate items to the Library of Congress?
The Library of Congress accepts donations of books and materials that fall within their collection development guidelines. You can contact the Library's gift office for more information.
Why am I unable to access certain digital collections on the Library of Congress website?
Some of the Library of Congress' digital collections may be restricted to on-site viewing or have certain usage restrictions due to copyright or other legal issues. You can check the collection's information on their website for more details.
How do I obtain copyright permission for using materials from the Library of Congress?
The Library of Congress does not own the rights to all materials in their collection, so you may need to obtain copyright permission directly from the rights holder. You can check the Library's website for more information on obtaining permissions.
Why am I receiving a "page not found" error on the Library of Congress website?
This error may occur if the webpage you are trying to access has been moved or removed from the Library of Congress website. You can try searching for the page using the site's search function or contacting the Library's website support team for assistance.
How do I request a tour of the Library of Congress?
While the Library of Congress does not offer general tours, you can request a guided tour for groups of 10 or more through the Visitor Services Office.
I am having trouble playing a video from the Library of Congress website. How can I fix this?
If you are having trouble playing a video from the Library of Congress website, try refreshing the page or clearing your browser's cache and cookies. You can also try accessing the video on a different browser or device.
How do I obtain permission to use a Library of Congress image in my publication or project?
The Library of Congress offers guidance on how to obtain permissions for using their images in publications or other projects on their website. You can also contact the Library's Rights and Reproductions Office for more information.
Can I use materials from the Library of Congress for commercial use?
The Library of Congress maintains copyright for some of the materials in their collection and you may need to obtain permissions for commercial use. You can check the Library's website for more information on copyright and permissions.
How do I contact the Library of Congress for assistance or inquiries?
You can contact the Library of Congress through their website, by phone, or by visiting their physical location in Washington D.C. Contact information can be found on their website.
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