When was the Library of Congress established, and what makes it significant in U.S. federal cultural history?

The Library of Congress was established on April 24, 1800, making it the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States. Its establishment marked an early effort by the federal government to support legislative research and cultural preservation.

Where is the Library of Congress physically located, and what are its main facilities?

The Library of Congress is primarily housed in three buildings on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., adjacent to the United States Capitol. It also operates the National Audio-Visual Conservation Center in Culpeper, Virginia, and has additional storage facilities in Fort George G. Meade and Cabin Branch, Maryland.

What is the approximate size of the Library of Congress's collection and its staff?

The Library of Congress is one of the largest libraries globally, containing approximately 173 million items and employing over 3,000 staff members. Its collections are described as universal, encompassing materials from around the world in more than 470 languages.

How did the Library of Congress originate in 1800?

The Library of Congress was established by an act of Congress signed by President John Adams on April 24, 1800. This act appropriated $5,000 for the purchase of books for Congress and the creation of a suitable space to house them, initially forming a collection of 740 books and three maps.

What role did Thomas Jefferson play in the early development of the Library of Congress?

Thomas Jefferson significantly shaped the Library of Congress after the original collection was destroyed in the 1814 fire during the War of 1812. He offered to sell his personal library of 6,487 books to Congress in 1815 to restore the collection. Jefferson believed all subjects should be represented in the library, transforming it into a more general research institution.

What major event led to the destruction of the Library of Congress's original collection?

The original collection of the Library of Congress was largely destroyed during the burning of Washington by British forces in August 1814, amidst the War of 1812. This fire consumed over 3,000 volumes housed in the Senate wing of the Capitol.

How did Jefferson's personal library differ from the initial congressional collection?

Jefferson's personal library, acquired over 50 years, was comprehensive and covered a wide range of subjects and languages, including many not typically found in a legislative library. This collection doubled the size of the original library and broadened its scope from a specialized collection to a more general one.

What organizational principle did Jefferson use for his book collection, and how did it influence the Library of Congress?

Jefferson organized his books based on Francis Bacon's classification of knowledge, dividing them into Memory, Reason, and Imagination, with 44 subdivisions. The Library of Congress utilized this organizational scheme until librarian Herbert Putnam introduced the Library of Congress Classification system later on.

What significant event impacted the Library of Congress in 1851?

On December 24, 1851, a major fire occurred in the Library of Congress, destroying approximately 35,000 books, which represented two-thirds of the library's collection at the time, including a significant portion of Jefferson's original donation.

How did the period between 1851 and 1865 affect the Library of Congress's operations?

Following the 1851 fire, the library entered a conservative period under librarian John Silva Meehan and committee chairman James A. Pearce. They restricted the library's activities, emphasizing a limited national role and focusing primarily on American materials relevant to Congress, transferring public document distribution and international book exchange programs to other departments.

What was Charles Coffin Jewett's ambition for the Smithsonian Institution, and how did it relate to the Library of Congress?

Charles Coffin Jewett, a Smithsonian Institution librarian, aimed to develop the Smithsonian into the United States' national library. However, his efforts were opposed by Smithsonian secretary Joseph Henry, who prioritized scientific research. Henry viewed the Library of Congress as the more appropriate institution for national library functions.

How did Ainsworth Rand Spofford influence the Library of Congress during his tenure (1865-1897)?

Ainsworth Rand Spofford, as Librarian of Congress, worked to develop the Library into a national legislative resource by building bipartisan support. He comprehensively collected Americana and American literature, oversaw the construction of a new building (now the Thomas Jefferson Building), and strengthened the position of Librarian of Congress. He also placed all copyright registration and deposit activities under the library's control.

What was the significance of the copyright deposit system for the Library of Congress's collections?

In 1870, the library gained the right to receive two copies of every copyrightable work printed in the United States. This copyright deposit system became a primary method for building the library's collections, contributing significantly to its growth and the diversity of its holdings.

When did the Library of Congress move into its new building, and what was this building originally called?

The Library of Congress moved into its new building, now known as the Thomas Jefferson Building, in 1897. Originally, it was simply called the Library of Congress Building or the Main Building.

How did the reorganization in 1897 impact the Library of Congress?

The 1897 reorganization, coinciding with the move to the new building, led to a significant expansion of the library's staff and administrative units. Congress strengthened the role of the Librarian of Congress, making the position responsible for governing the library and making staff appointments, subject to Senate approval.

What was Herbert Putnam's vision for the Library of Congress during his long tenure (1899-1939)?

Herbert Putnam aimed to make the library more accessible and useful to the public and other libraries. He instituted the interlibrary loan service, positioning the Library of Congress as a 'library of last resort,' and expanded access for scholars and researchers. He also broadened the diversity of the library's acquisitions, including significant foreign collections.

What notable collections were acquired during Herbert Putnam's tenure?

During Putnam's time, the library acquired important collections such as the papers of the Founding Fathers (transferred from the State Department), a 4,000-volume library of Indica, an 80,000-volume Russian library from G. V. Yudin, the Schatz collection of opera librettos, and the Russian Imperial Collection. It also acquired Otto Vollbehr's incunabula collection, which included a Gutenberg Bible.

What was the Legislative Reference Service (LRS) and when was it established?

The Legislative Reference Service (LRS) was established by Herbert Putnam in 1914 as a distinct administrative unit within the library. Modeled after research branches of state legislatures, the LRS was intended to provide Congress with informed research on various topics, reflecting the Progressive Era's philosophy of using science to solve problems.

How did the Library of Congress become involved in supporting the arts?

In 1925, Congress authorized the Library of Congress to establish a trust fund board, enabling it to accept donations and endowments. This allowed prominent individuals like John D. Rockefeller and Archer M. Huntington to support various programs, including the establishment of concert halls and chairs for consultants, such as the Poet Laureate Consultant.

What was Archibald MacLeish's contribution as Librarian of Congress during World War II?

Archibald MacLeish, serving from 1939 to 1944, became a widely recognized Librarian of Congress. He encouraged librarians to oppose totalitarianism and dedicated spaces within the library for essential democratic documents. The Library also assisted the war effort by storing the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution in Fort Knox and researching weather data for military pilots.

What were the 'Library of Congress Missions' established by Luther H. Evans?

Luther H. Evans, Librarian of Congress from 1945 to 1953, created Library of Congress Missions worldwide. These missions played roles in postwar international affairs, such as assisting the United Nations formation meeting in San Francisco, acquiring European publications, and aiding in the establishment of the National Diet Library in Japan.

What was the debate surrounding the Library of Congress's role during Lawrence Quincy Mumford's tenure (1954-1974)?

During Mumford's administration, a significant debate occurred regarding the Library's dual role as both a legislative and national library. Recommendations were made to emphasize its federal role over its legislative one, including a suggestion to change the library's name, which Mumford opposed, citing tradition.

How did the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 affect the Library of Congress?

The Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 reinforced the library's legislative functions by requiring a greater focus on research for Congress and its committees. It also led to the renaming of the Legislative Reference Service (LRS) to the Congressional Research Service (CRS).

What was Daniel J. Boorstin's impact as Librarian of Congress (1975-1987)?

Daniel J. Boorstin oversaw the relocation of library sections to the new Madison Building and focused on enhancing acquisitions and collections. He fostered stronger ties with scholars, authors, and cultural leaders, significantly elevating the public perception of the Librarian of Congress position, which The New York Times described as 'perhaps the leading intellectual public position in the nation.'

What were some key technological and programmatic initiatives under James H. Billington's leadership (1987-2015)?

Under James H. Billington, the library doubled its analog collections and embraced new technologies. Key initiatives included the American Memory project (later National Digital Library), the THOMAS and Congress.gov websites for legislative information, the National Book Festival, the Kluge Center for scholars, the Open World Leadership Center, the Veterans History Project, and the National Audio-Visual Conservation Center.

What is the American Memory project, and how did it evolve?

American Memory, launched in 1990, was the library's first digitization project. It evolved into the National Digital Library in 1994, providing free online access to digitized resources on American history and culture, including primary sources, to support education.

What is the purpose of the THOMAS and Congress.gov websites?

The THOMAS website, launched in 1995, provided public access to U.S. federal legislative information. It was later modernized and replaced by the Congress.gov website in 2012, which offers a state-of-the-art framework for accessing legislative data for both Congress and the public.

What is the National Book Festival, and who founded it?

The National Book Festival, founded in 2001 with First Lady Laura Bush, is an annual event celebrating reading that attracts authors and guests to Washington, D.C. It aims to promote literacy and connect the public with authors and literary works.

What is the Kluge Center, and what prize does it award?

The John W. Kluge Center, established with a significant grant, brings international scholars and researchers to the Library of Congress to utilize its resources and interact with policymakers and the public. It awards the Kluge Prize for the Study of Humanity, an international prize recognizing lifetime achievement in the humanities and social sciences.

What is the Veterans History Project?

The Veterans History Project, mandated by Congress in 2000, is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and making accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans from World War I to the present day. It aims to honor their service and provide valuable historical documentation.

What is the National Audio-Visual Conservation Center, and where is it located?

The National Audio-Visual Conservation Center, established in 2007, is the Library of Congress's newest facility, located in Culpeper, Virginia. It serves as a central site for storing and conserving the library's extensive movie, television, and sound collections, housed in a former Federal Reserve storage center and Cold War bunker.

What role does the Library of Congress play in film preservation?

Since 1988, the Library of Congress has administered the National Film Preservation Board, which selects 25 American films annually for preservation and inclusion in the National Film Registry. This initiative ensures that culturally significant films are protected for future generations.

What are the Gershwin Prize and the Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction?

The Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, launched in 2007, honors artists for lifetime achievement in songwriting. The Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction, established in 2008, recognizes distinguished lifetime achievement in fiction writing. Both prizes celebrate American artistic contributions.

What is the World Digital Library, and what is its purpose?

The World Digital Library, established in association with UNESCO, makes professionally curated primary materials from diverse global cultures freely available online in multiple languages. Its goal is to promote cross-cultural understanding and preserve cultural heritage digitally.

What is the National Jukebox, and what does it offer?

The National Jukebox, launched in 2011, provides free online streaming access to over 10,000 out-of-print music and spoken-word recordings. It makes a significant portion of the library's sound collection accessible to the public.

What is BARD, and how does it serve visually impaired individuals?

BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) is a digital mobile app launched in 2013 by the Library of Congress in partnership with its National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. It enables free downloads of audio and braille books to mobile devices for visually impaired readers.

What is the significance of the 1507 Waldseemüller map acquired by the Library of Congress?

The Library of Congress acquired the 1507 Waldseemüller map, often referred to as 'America's birth certificate,' in 2003. This map is historically significant as it is one of the earliest known maps to label the newly discovered continent as 'America'.

How does the Library of Congress administer copyright law?

The Library of Congress, through the Librarian of Congress and the Register of Copyrights, is responsible for authorizing exceptions to Section 1201 of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). This process involves reviewing public proposals every three years to determine exemptions to anti-circumvention measures.

What is the Library of Congress Classification (LCC) system?

The Library of Congress Classification (LCC) is a bibliographical system developed by the Library of Congress that is widely used by research and university libraries in the United States. It provides a structured way to organize and catalog vast collections of materials.

What is the requirement of 'mandatory deposit' for publishers?

Mandatory deposit requires publishers to submit two complete copies of their published works to the Library of Congress, regardless of whether they register their copyright. This ensures that the library receives a comprehensive collection of U.S. publications.

How does the Library of Congress handle the vast number of items received through mandatory deposit?

While publishers must deposit two copies of their works, the Library of Congress does not retain all of them. Rejected items are utilized for exchanges with other libraries, distributed to federal agencies, or donated to schools and organizations, while approximately 12,000 items are added to the permanent collection daily.

What is the approximate length of bookshelves filled by the Library of Congress's collection?

The Library of Congress states that its collection fills about 838 miles (1,349 km) of bookshelves. This vast physical extent highlights the immense scale of its holdings.

What was the Library of Congress's initial digitization project, and how did it change?

The library's first digitization project, 'American Memory,' launched in 1990, initially planned to distribute digitized objects via LaserDiscs and CDs. However, due to cost and efficiency concerns, and with the rise of the internet, the project transitioned to making materials available online through the National Digital Library Program (NDLP) in 1994.

How much digital data does the Library of Congress's website contain as of 2022?

As of 2022, the Library of Congress's website contains approximately 914 million unique digital objects, comprising over 21 petabytes of data. This represents a massive expansion of its digital presence and accessibility.

Why did the Library of Congress choose not to participate in projects like Google Books?

The Library of Congress chose not to participate directly in projects like Google Books and the Digital Public Library of America, likely due to considerations of control over its digital assets and mission priorities. However, it has supported initiatives like the Internet Archive.

What is the THOMAS system, and what replaced it?

THOMAS was an online archive established by the Library of Congress in 1995 to provide public access to U.S. federal legislative information, including bills and the Congressional Record. It was updated over the years and eventually retired in 2016, being replaced by the more modernized Congress.gov website.

Describe the three main buildings of the Library of Congress on Capitol Hill.

The Library of Congress is housed in three interconnected buildings on Capitol Hill: the Thomas Jefferson Building (opened 1897, the oldest), the John Adams Building (opened 1939, originally the Annex), and the James Madison Memorial Building (opened 1980, serving as the official memorial to James Madison). These buildings are linked by underground passageways for security and convenience.

What is the architectural style of the Thomas Jefferson Building?

The Thomas Jefferson Building, the library's main and oldest building, is an example of Beaux-Arts architecture. Its design is known for its ornate details and grand public spaces, such as the Great Hall.

What is the significance of the Packard Campus for Audio-Visual Conservation?

The Packard Campus for Audio-Visual Conservation, located in Culpeper, Virginia, is the Library of Congress's newest facility, dedicated to storing and preserving its vast collections of film, television, and sound recordings. It was constructed from a former Federal Reserve storage center and Cold War bunker.

What is the role of the Law Library of Congress?

The Law Library of Congress aims to further legal scholarship by providing opportunities for scholars and practitioners to conduct significant legal research. It serves the U.S. Congress, other governmental agencies, and the public by supporting legal research and understanding.

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About the Library of Congress

Core Mission

Established on April 24, 1800, the Library of Congress (LC) serves as the primary research library for the United States Congress and functions as the de facto national library of the United States. It is the oldest federal cultural institution in the nation, dedicated to serving Congress, the nation's citizens, and international visitors.

Legislative and Copyright Authority

Beyond its role as a repository of knowledge, the Library of Congress administers U.S. copyright law through the United States Copyright Office. It also houses the Congressional Research Service, providing objective, non-partisan research to Congress to aid in legislative processes.

Unparalleled Scale

Located across three buildings on Capitol Hill, with additional facilities in Virginia and Maryland, the Library of Congress is one of the largest libraries globally. Its collection comprises approximately 173 million items, encompassing materials in over 470 languages, reflecting a truly universal scope.

A Chronicle of Knowledge

Foundational Years

Founded by President John Adams in 1800, the Library's initial collection was housed in the Capitol. A significant portion was lost in the 1814 burning of Washington. Thomas Jefferson's personal library of over 6,400 books was acquired in 1815 to restore the collection, establishing a precedent for its broad subject matter.

Spofford's Expansion

Under Librarian Ainsworth Rand Spofford (1865–1897), the Library transformed into a national resource. He championed its expansion, secured copyright deposit rights, oversaw the construction of the new Main Building (now the Thomas Jefferson Building), and significantly grew the collections, particularly Americana.

20th Century Innovations

Herbert Putnam's tenure (1899–1939) saw the institution become a "library of last resort" through interlibrary loans and expanded public access. Later leaders like Archibald MacLeish and Luther Evans furthered its mission during wartime and postwar periods, establishing new services and international outreach.

Digital Age Leadership

James H. Billington (1987–2015) spearheaded digitization efforts, launching the National Digital Library Program and the National Book Festival. Carla Hayden (2016–present) continues this trajectory, focusing on modernization, expanding digital access, and enhancing the library's role as a public institution.

Vast and Varied Holdings

Unrivaled Scope

The Library's collection is a universal repository, encompassing over 173 million items. This includes 32 million cataloged books, 61 million manuscripts, 5.3 million maps, 14.7 million prints and photographs, and extensive holdings in music, sound recordings, and moving images, spanning virtually every subject and format.

Priceless Treasures

Among its most significant holdings are the rough draft of the Declaration of Independence, one of only three perfect vellum copies of the Gutenberg Bible, the 1507 Waldseemüller world map (often called "America's birth certificate"), and the papers of numerous U.S. Presidents and Founding Fathers.

Global Reach

The Library actively acquires materials from around the world, preserving cultural heritage in over 470 languages. Its collections include significant holdings of Hebraica, Chinese, Japanese, Russian Imperial materials, and vast archives of international newspapers and government publications.

Architectural Pillars

Thomas Jefferson Building

The original and most iconic structure, completed in 1897. Its Beaux-Arts architecture, ornate Great Hall, and intricate murals exemplify the grandeur befitting a national library. It houses many of the library's primary exhibition spaces.

John Adams Building

Opened in 1939 as an annex to alleviate space constraints, this building complements the Jefferson Building. It houses extensive collections and the U.S. Copyright Office, providing crucial capacity for the library's growing holdings.

James Madison Memorial Building

Completed in 1980, this modern structure serves as a memorial to James Madison. It is the largest building in the complex and houses significant collections, research services, and the Mary Pickford Theater for film and television screenings.

Packard Campus

Located in Culpeper, Virginia, this state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to the conservation and storage of the Library's vast audio-visual collections, including films, television programs, and sound recordings.

Digital Frontiers

Online Accessibility

The Library has embraced digital transformation, making millions of digitized items accessible online through projects like "American Memory" and the National Digital Library Program. This initiative provides free access to primary sources for education and research.

Congress.gov

A key digital service is Congress.gov, a joint project providing real-time legislative information. It offers access to bills, resolutions, and congressional records, enhancing transparency and public engagement with the legislative process.

Multimedia Archives

The Library offers streaming access to historical sound recordings via the National Jukebox and preserves significant films in the National Film Registry. These digital initiatives ensure cultural heritage is accessible to a global audience.

Setting Information Standards

Bibliographic Control

The Library of Congress plays a pivotal role in developing and maintaining international standards for library cataloging and information retrieval. This includes MARC standards, METS, MODS, and protocols like Z39.50.

Search and Retrieval

Through its work on metadata standards and search protocols (SRW/SRU), the Library contributes to the interoperability of digital information systems, enabling more effective discovery and access to resources worldwide.

Cultural and Scholarly Engagement

Literary and Musical Recognition

The Library hosts prestigious events such as the National Book Festival, celebrating authors and readers. It also awards the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song and the Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction, recognizing lifetime achievements in music and literature.

Fostering Scholarship

Through programs like the Kluge Center and the Fellows in American Letters, the Library supports scholars and researchers, providing access to its unique collections and fostering intellectual discourse. It also engages the public through exhibitions and educational programs.

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References

2 Stat. 55

2 Stat. 128

Murray, Stuart A.P. The Library: An Illustrated History. Skyhorse Publishing, 2012. 9781616084530, pp. 161

U.S. Civil Service Commission, Women in the Federal Service (Washington, D.C.: Civil Service Commission, 1938), 3â6, 9.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Library of Congress Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available data and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consultation with qualified professionals or direct reference to official Library of Congress resources. Always verify information with primary sources.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Athenaeum of the Nation

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About the Library of Congress ℹ️

🏛️ Core Mission

⚖️ Legislative and Copyright Authority

🌍 Unparalleled Scale

A Chronicle of Knowledge 📜

🏛️ Foundational Years

📈 Spofford's Expansion

💡 20th Century Innovations

💻 Digital Age Leadership

Vast and Varied Holdings 📚

📦 Unrivaled Scope

💎 Priceless Treasures

🌐 Global Reach

Architectural Pillars 🏢

🏛️ Thomas Jefferson Building

📖 John Adams Building

📜 James Madison Memorial Building

💾 Packard Campus

Digital Frontiers 💻

🌐 Online Accessibility

🏛️ Congress.gov

🎵 Multimedia Archives

Setting Information Standards ⚙️

📏 Bibliographic Control

🔍 Search and Retrieval

Cultural and Scholarly Engagement 🎉

🎤 Literary and Musical Recognition

🧑‍🏫 Fostering Scholarship

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

About the Library of Congress

Core Mission

Legislative and Copyright Authority

Unparalleled Scale

A Chronicle of Knowledge

Foundational Years

Spofford's Expansion

20th Century Innovations

Digital Age Leadership

Vast and Varied Holdings

Unrivaled Scope

Priceless Treasures

Global Reach

Architectural Pillars

Thomas Jefferson Building

John Adams Building

James Madison Memorial Building

Packard Campus

Digital Frontiers

Online Accessibility

Congress.gov

Multimedia Archives

Setting Information Standards

Bibliographic Control

Search and Retrieval

Cultural and Scholarly Engagement

Literary and Musical Recognition

Fostering Scholarship

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice