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About the Law Library

Welcome message from the Acting Law Librarian of Congress

The Law Library of Congress was established in 1832 to provide the United States Congress and Supreme Court with access to current and accurate legal materials. For 178 years, our mission has expanded to include other branches of the U.S. Government, the public, the global legal community, other researchers across the nations and the world, and to sustain and preserve our 2.6 million volume collection for future generations.

Supported by a staff of 101 lawyers, librarians, and other professionals and support staff, the Law Library of Congress has grown over the years to become the world's largest, with a collection that spans the ages and covers virtually every jurisdiction in the world. As the leading research center for foreign, comparative and international law, the Library also provides valuable reference assistance to the scholarly community and to researchers across the nation and the globe.

I invite you to learn more about the Law Library by exploring our web site where you will find an increasing number of digital resources available without restrictions. These reports, research guides, newsletters and digital collections were produced and compiled in consideration of current topics with legal significance to national and international audiences.

The Law Library continues to be guided by the belief that universal access to and the understanding of law serves an important role in promoting and democracy. Through its dedication to quality and ability to adapt to rapidly changing technology, the institution will remain relevant for the present and insure its place in the future.

Whether you visit the Law Library of Congress in person or online, I hope you will make use of its rich resources and return often.

Donna Scheeder
Acting Law Librarian of Congress

Last Updated: 06/03/2009