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The Library of Congress was established in 1814, shortly after the burning of Washington.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Library of Congress was established on April 24, 1800, by an act of Congress signed by President John Adams. The fire in 1814 destroyed its original collection.
Thomas Jefferson sold his personal library to Congress to replace the original collection destroyed in the 1814 fire.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the destruction of the initial collection by fire in 1814, Thomas Jefferson offered his extensive personal library of over 6,400 volumes to Congress in 1815, significantly rebuilding and broadening the scope of the Library of Congress.
The original collection of the Library of Congress was lost due to a fire in 1851.
Answer: False
Explanation: The original collection was largely destroyed by fire in 1814 during the War of 1812. A subsequent fire in 1851 destroyed approximately 35,000 books, representing two-thirds of the collection at that time.
Jefferson organized his personal library using the Dewey Decimal Classification system.
Answer: False
Explanation: Thomas Jefferson organized his personal library based on Francis Bacon's classification of knowledge, dividing it into categories such as Memory, Reason, and Imagination. The Dewey Decimal system was developed much later.
The fire on December 24, 1851, destroyed nearly all of the Library of Congress's holdings at that time.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 1851 fire destroyed approximately two-thirds of the Library's collection, which comprised about 35,000 volumes, not 'nearly all' of its total holdings at that point.
Charles Coffin Jewett successfully established the Smithsonian Institution as the United States' national library.
Answer: False
Explanation: Charles Coffin Jewett, as librarian of the Smithsonian Institution, aspired to make it the national library. However, this ambition was opposed by the Smithsonian's secretary, Joseph Henry, who favored the Library of Congress for that role.
When was the Library of Congress established, making it the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States?
Answer: April 24, 1800
Explanation: The Library of Congress was established by an act of Congress signed by President John Adams on April 24, 1800, making it the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States.
What event led to the destruction of the Library of Congress's original collection in 1814?
Answer: The British burning of Washington during the War of 1812.
Explanation: During the War of 1812, British forces set fire to Washington, D.C., including the Capitol building where the Library of Congress was housed, resulting in the destruction of its original collection.
Who is credited with significantly shaping the Library of Congress after the 1814 fire by selling his personal library to Congress?
Answer: Thomas Jefferson
Explanation: Thomas Jefferson offered his extensive personal library to Congress in 1815 to replace the collection lost in the 1814 fire. This acquisition fundamentally broadened the Library's scope and importance.
What organizational principle did Thomas Jefferson use for his personal library, which influenced the Library of Congress?
Answer: Francis Bacon's classification of knowledge
Explanation: Thomas Jefferson organized his personal library according to Francis Bacon's philosophical framework, dividing knowledge into Memory, Reason, and Imagination, which served as an influential organizational model for the Library of Congress.
Which of the following events significantly impacted the Library of Congress in 1851?
Answer: A major fire that destroyed approximately 35,000 books.
Explanation: On December 24, 1851, a significant fire occurred within the Library of Congress, resulting in the loss of approximately 35,000 volumes, which constituted about two-thirds of its collection at that time.
The Library of Congress's primary function is to serve exclusively as a research library for the United States Senate.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. While the Library of Congress serves as the research arm for Congress, its mandate extends beyond the Senate to encompass its role as the de facto national library of the United States and administrator of U.S. copyright law.
Which of the following best describes the primary functions of the Library of Congress?
Answer: The research arm for Congress, the de facto national library of the U.S., and administrator of U.S. copyright law.
Explanation: The Library of Congress serves multiple critical roles: it is the primary research library for the U.S. Congress, functions as the de facto national library, and oversees U.S. copyright registration through its Copyright Office.
The concept of the Library of Congress as a 'library of last resort' primarily refers to its function in:
Answer: Offering interlibrary loans when materials are unavailable elsewhere.
Explanation: The 'library of last resort' concept signifies the Library of Congress's role in providing access to its vast collections through interlibrary loans, serving as a national resource when materials cannot be obtained from other sources.
Ainsworth Rand Spofford's tenure saw the Library of Congress consolidate all copyright registration and deposit activities under its control.
Answer: True
Explanation: During Ainsworth Rand Spofford's tenure as Librarian of Congress (1865-1897), the copyright deposit system was centralized under the Library of Congress, significantly enhancing its collections and its role in intellectual property.
The 1897 reorganization led to a decrease in the administrative units and staff size of the Library of Congress.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 1897 reorganization, coinciding with the move into the new building (now the Jefferson Building), led to a significant expansion of administrative units and staff, strengthening the Library's operational capacity.
Herbert Putnam envisioned the Library of Congress primarily as a repository for rare, inaccessible historical documents.
Answer: False
Explanation: Herbert Putnam envisioned the Library of Congress as a dynamic national resource, accessible to scholars and other libraries through interlibrary loans, rather than solely a repository for inaccessible documents. He aimed to make it a 'library of last resort'.
During World War II, the Library of Congress stored the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution in the Pentagon.
Answer: False
Explanation: During World War II, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were stored for safekeeping in Fort Knox, Kentucky, not the Pentagon. The Library of Congress did support the war effort in other ways, such as researching weather data for pilots.
Luther H. Evans's 'Library of Congress Missions' focused solely on acquiring European publications after World War II.
Answer: False
Explanation: Luther H. Evans's 'Library of Congress Missions' after World War II had a broader scope than just acquiring European publications. They were involved in international affairs, including assisting the United Nations formation and aiding the establishment of national libraries abroad, such as in Japan.
During Lawrence Quincy Mumford's tenure, there was a debate about the Library's role as both a legislative and national library.
Answer: True
Explanation: Lawrence Quincy Mumford's tenure (1954-1974) was marked by significant discussion regarding the Library of Congress's dual identity as a legislative resource and a national library, with recommendations made to prioritize its national role.
Daniel J. Boorstin significantly elevated the public perception of the Librarian of Congress position.
Answer: True
Explanation: Daniel J. Boorstin's tenure (1975-1987) saw enhanced scholarly engagement and the move to the Madison Building, which, combined with his public profile, significantly elevated the perceived importance and intellectual standing of the Librarian of Congress.
Carla Hayden is the first woman and the first African American to serve as Librarian of Congress.
Answer: True
Explanation: Dr. Carla D. Hayden's appointment in 2016 marked a significant milestone, as she is the first woman and the first African American to hold the position of Librarian of Congress.
Ainsworth Rand Spofford, during his tenure from 1865 to 1897, focused on developing the Library of Congress into:
Answer: A national legislative resource and comprehensive collector of Americana.
Explanation: Ainsworth Rand Spofford significantly expanded the Library's collections, particularly in Americana, and worked to establish it as a vital national legislative resource during his long tenure.
Herbert Putnam's vision for the Library of Congress included positioning it as:
Answer: A 'library of last resort' through interlibrary loan services.
Explanation: Herbert Putnam championed the concept of the Library of Congress serving as a 'library of last resort,' providing materials via interlibrary loan when they were unavailable elsewhere, thus supporting other libraries and scholars nationwide.
During World War II, how did the Library of Congress support the war effort under Archibald MacLeish?
Answer: By storing vital documents in Fort Knox and researching weather data for pilots.
Explanation: Under Librarian Archibald MacLeish during World War II, the Library of Congress contributed to the war effort by safeguarding key documents in Fort Knox and providing crucial meteorological research for military aviation.
Daniel J. Boorstin's tenure as Librarian of Congress (1975-1987) was marked by:
Answer: The relocation of library sections to the new Madison Building and enhanced ties with scholars.
Explanation: Daniel J. Boorstin's leadership oversaw the move into the James Madison Memorial Building and fostered stronger connections with the academic and cultural communities, significantly raising the profile of the Library and the Librarian position.
What makes Carla Hayden's appointment as Librarian of Congress in 2016 particularly significant?
Answer: She is the first professional librarian to hold the post since 1974, the first woman, and the first African American.
Explanation: Dr. Carla Hayden's appointment in 2016 was historically significant as she is the first professional librarian to lead the institution in over four decades, and the first woman and first African American to hold the position of Librarian of Congress.
The Library of Congress holds over 200 million items in its collection.
Answer: False
Explanation: As of recent estimates, the Library of Congress holds approximately 173 million items. While vast, the figure of over 200 million items is not accurate based on available data.
The copyright deposit system, established in 1870, requires publishers to submit only one copy of each copyrightable work.
Answer: False
Explanation: The copyright deposit system, revised in 1870, mandates that publishers submit two copies of each copyrightable work to the Library of Congress to build its collections.
The Legislative Reference Service (LRS) was established to manage the library's rare book collections.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Legislative Reference Service (LRS), established in 1914, was designed to provide Congress with informed research and analysis on various topics, serving as a legislative support arm, not primarily for managing rare book collections.
The Library of Congress began accepting donations for programs like concerts and chairs for consultants in 1925.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1925, Congress authorized the Library of Congress to establish a trust fund board, enabling it to accept private donations. This allowed for the funding of programs, such as concert series and consultant positions (like Poet Laureate), through endowments.
The Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 led to the renaming of the Congressional Research Service (CRS) to the Legislative Reference Service (LRS).
Answer: False
Explanation: The Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 led to the renaming of the Legislative Reference Service (LRS) to the Congressional Research Service (CRS), reinforcing its role in providing research to Congress.
The National Book Festival was founded in collaboration with former President Bill Clinton.
Answer: False
Explanation: The National Book Festival, founded in 2001, was initiated in collaboration with First Lady Laura Bush, not former President Bill Clinton.
The Kluge Center primarily focuses on awarding prizes for achievements in science and technology.
Answer: False
Explanation: The John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress is dedicated to the humanities and social sciences. It awards the Kluge Prize for the Study of Humanity, not prizes for science and technology.
The Veterans History Project collects and preserves accounts of American war veterans from World War I to the present day.
Answer: True
Explanation: Established by Congress, the Veterans History Project actively collects and preserves the personal narratives and testimonies of American war veterans, spanning from World War I to contemporary conflicts.
The Library of Congress administers the National Film Registry, selecting 50 films annually for preservation.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Library of Congress administers the National Film Registry, but it selects 25 films annually for preservation, not 50.
The Gershwin Prize for Popular Song honors artists for their contributions to classical music.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Gershwin Prize for Popular Song honors artists for their lifetime achievements in songwriting and popular music, not classical music.
BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) is a service primarily for researchers studying ancient manuscripts.
Answer: False
Explanation: BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) is a service provided by the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, offering audio and braille books for download to visually impaired individuals, not primarily for manuscript researchers.
The 1507 Waldseemüller map, acquired by the Library of Congress, is significant because it was the first map to depict the continent of Africa.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 1507 Waldseemüller map is significant because it is one of the earliest known maps to label the continent of 'America.' Its depiction of Africa is not its primary historical distinction.
The Library of Congress is responsible for authorizing exemptions to Section 1201 of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).
Answer: True
Explanation: The Librarian of Congress, upon recommendation from the Register of Copyrights, is responsible for authorizing triennial exemptions to the anti-circumvention provisions (Section 1201) of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).
Mandatory deposit requires publishers to submit only one copy of their published works to the Library of Congress.
Answer: False
Explanation: The mandatory deposit provision requires publishers to submit two complete copies of all copyrightable works published in the United States to the Library of Congress.
The Library of Congress retains every single item submitted through mandatory deposit.
Answer: False
Explanation: While publishers must deposit two copies, the Library of Congress does not retain all submitted items. Many are used for exchange, distribution to other institutions, or are not added to the permanent collection, though approximately 12,000 items are added daily.
The Library of Congress's collection fills approximately 1,349 kilometers of bookshelves.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Library of Congress reports that its extensive collection occupies approximately 838 miles, which equates to about 1,349 kilometers, of bookshelves.
The Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN) is used to identify specific works and is consulted by librarians worldwide.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN) is a unique identifier assigned to bibliographic records for works cataloged by the Library of Congress, serving as a vital reference for librarians globally.
What was the primary significance of the copyright deposit system implemented in 1870?
Answer: It became a primary method for building the library's collections by requiring two copies of every copyrightable work.
Explanation: The 1870 revision of copyright law mandated that publishers deposit two copies of every copyrightable work with the Library of Congress, transforming this requirement into a principal mechanism for the library's collection development.
Which of the following major collections was acquired during Herbert Putnam's tenure?
Answer: The G. V. Yudin Russian library of 80,000 volumes.
Explanation: During Herbert Putnam's long tenure, the Library acquired numerous significant collections, including the extensive 80,000-volume Russian library of G. V. Yudin.
What was the purpose of the Legislative Reference Service (LRS), established in 1914?
Answer: To provide Congress with informed research on various topics.
Explanation: Established in 1914, the Legislative Reference Service (LRS) was designed to furnish Congress with comprehensive research and analysis on legislative matters, supporting informed decision-making.
What significant change occurred regarding the Legislative Reference Service (LRS) due to the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970?
Answer: It was renamed the Congressional Research Service (CRS).
Explanation: The Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 officially renamed the Legislative Reference Service (LRS) to the Congressional Research Service (CRS), reflecting its enhanced role in supporting congressional research needs.
What is the primary purpose of the National Book Festival, founded in 2001?
Answer: To celebrate reading and connect the public with authors.
Explanation: The National Book Festival, co-founded with First Lady Laura Bush, aims to celebrate reading and literature by bringing authors and the public together for an annual festival.
The John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress is known for bringing international scholars to utilize its resources and for awarding:
Answer: The Kluge Prize for the Study of Humanity
Explanation: The John W. Kluge Center hosts visiting scholars and awards the prestigious Kluge Prize for the Study of Humanity, recognizing significant contributions to the humanities and social sciences.
What is the main goal of the Veterans History Project?
Answer: To collect and preserve the personal accounts of American war veterans.
Explanation: The Veterans History Project is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and making accessible the personal narratives of American war veterans, ensuring their experiences are documented for posterity.
The Library of Congress plays a role in film preservation by administering the National Film Registry, which selects:
Answer: 25 American films annually for preservation.
Explanation: Through the National Film Preservation Board, the Library of Congress selects 25 American films each year for inclusion in the National Film Registry, recognizing their cultural significance and ensuring their preservation.
What does the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song honor?
Answer: Lifetime achievement in songwriting.
Explanation: The Gershwin Prize for Popular Song recognizes individuals who have achieved excellence in songwriting, celebrating their contributions to the genre of popular music.
The BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) service is designed to assist:
Answer: Visually impaired individuals with access to books.
Explanation: BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) is a service that provides visually impaired individuals with free access to a vast collection of audio and braille books through mobile devices.
The 1507 Waldseemüller map, acquired by the Library of Congress, is historically significant because:
Answer: It is one of the earliest known maps to label the continent as 'America'.
Explanation: The 1507 Waldseemüller map holds immense historical value as one of the first cartographic works to designate the newly discovered continent as 'America,' a name derived from Amerigo Vespucci.
What is the role of the Library of Congress concerning the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA)?
Answer: It authorizes exceptions to Section 1201 of the DMCA regarding anti-circumvention measures.
Explanation: The Library of Congress, through the Librarian of Congress, is tasked with periodically reviewing and authorizing exemptions to the anti-circumvention provisions stipulated in Section 1201 of the DMCA.
What is the significance of the Library of Congress's involvement with the National Recording Registry?
Answer: It identifies and preserves important sound recordings.
Explanation: The Library of Congress, through the National Recording Preservation Board, maintains the National Recording Registry, which selects and preserves sound recordings deemed culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.
James H. Billington's leadership saw the library decrease its analog collections while focusing solely on digital expansion.
Answer: False
Explanation: During James H. Billington's leadership (1987-2015), the Library of Congress actually doubled its analog collections while simultaneously pioneering digital initiatives like the American Memory project.
The American Memory project was the library's first initiative to provide free online access to digitized historical resources.
Answer: True
Explanation: The American Memory project, launched in 1990 and evolving into the National Digital Library Program, was indeed the Library of Congress's pioneering effort to provide broad public access to digitized historical materials online.
The THOMAS website, launched in 1995, was designed to provide public access to U.S. federal legislative information.
Answer: True
Explanation: The THOMAS website, established in 1995, served as a crucial portal for public access to legislative information from the U.S. Congress, including bills and the Congressional Record, before its modernization into Congress.gov.
The World Digital Library aims to make professionally curated primary materials from diverse global cultures freely available online.
Answer: True
Explanation: The World Digital Library, a project in partnership with UNESCO, is dedicated to making significant primary cultural materials from around the globe accessible online to promote cross-cultural understanding and preserve heritage.
The Library of Congress's website contained over 21 petabytes of data as of 2022.
Answer: True
Explanation: As of 2022, the Library of Congress's digital presence, primarily through its website, encompassed over 21 petabytes of data, comprising hundreds of millions of digital objects.
The Library of Congress actively participated in the Google Books digitization project.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Library of Congress has not directly participated in large-scale external digitization projects like Google Books, preferring to manage its own digital strategy and initiatives, although it supports related efforts like the Internet Archive.
Which of the following was a key initiative under James H. Billington's leadership (1987-2015)?
Answer: The American Memory project (later National Digital Library).
Explanation: James H. Billington's tenure saw the launch and expansion of the American Memory project, which evolved into the National Digital Library, providing unprecedented online access to digitized historical collections.
What is the primary objective of the World Digital Library?
Answer: To promote cross-cultural understanding by making global cultural heritage freely available online.
Explanation: The World Digital Library aims to foster greater understanding and appreciation of different cultures by providing free online access to significant primary cultural materials from around the world.
What is the primary function of the THOMAS website, which was later replaced by Congress.gov?
Answer: To offer public access to U.S. federal legislative information.
Explanation: The THOMAS website, launched in 1995, provided the public with direct access to legislative information from the U.S. Congress, including bills, resolutions, and the Congressional Record.
The Library of Congress is located exclusively within Washington, D.C., with no facilities elsewhere.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the primary buildings are on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., the Library of Congress also operates the National Audio-Visual Conservation Center in Culpeper, Virginia, and has additional storage facilities in Maryland.
The building originally called the 'Main Building' is now known as the James Madison Building.
Answer: False
Explanation: The building originally known as the 'Main Building' or the Library of Congress Building, completed in 1897, is now named the Thomas Jefferson Building. The James Madison Memorial Building is the newest of the three main buildings.
The National Audio-Visual Conservation Center is located in Washington, D.C., adjacent to the Capitol.
Answer: False
Explanation: The National Audio-Visual Conservation Center (NAVCC) is situated in Culpeper, Virginia, in a former Federal Reserve storage facility, not in Washington, D.C.
The Library of Congress Classification (LCC) system is primarily used by public libraries across the United States.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Library of Congress Classification (LCC) system is primarily utilized by research and university libraries. Public libraries more commonly use the Dewey Decimal Classification system.
Henriette Avram developed the MARC format, which became an international standard for library cataloging.
Answer: True
Explanation: Henriette Avram was instrumental in developing the MARC (Machine Readable Cataloging) format at the Library of Congress, a system that revolutionized library cataloging and became an international standard.
The Library of Congress uses mass deacidification primarily to preserve digital records.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Library of Congress's mass deacidification program is a preservation technique applied to millions of physical volumes (books and paper documents) to prevent degradation, not to preserve digital records.
Where is the National Audio-Visual Conservation Center (NAVCC) located?
Answer: Culpeper, Virginia
Explanation: The National Audio-Visual Conservation Center, a state-of-the-art facility for preserving film, television, and sound recordings, is located in Culpeper, Virginia.
Henriette Avram is recognized for her significant contribution in developing:
Answer: The MARC (Machine Readable Cataloging) format
Explanation: Henriette Avram's pioneering work at the Library of Congress led to the development of the MARC format, a standardized system for machine-readable cataloging that became foundational for library automation worldwide.
The Library of Congress's mass deacidification program, initiated in 2001, is primarily used for:
Answer: Extending the lifespan of millions of physical volumes (books).
Explanation: The mass deacidification process employed by the Library of Congress is a chemical treatment designed to neutralize acids in paper, thereby extending the longevity of millions of physical books and documents in its collection.
Which of the following is NOT one of the three main buildings of the Library of Congress on Capitol Hill?
Answer: Theodore Roosevelt Building
Explanation: The three main buildings housing the Library of Congress on Capitol Hill are the Thomas Jefferson Building, the John Adams Building, and the James Madison Memorial Building. The Theodore Roosevelt Building is not part of the Library of Congress complex.