A view from atop the Library's Main Reading Room
The Library marked several milestones in 2002, including the 25th anniversary of the Center for the Book and the Juilliard String Quartet's 40th anniversary as the Library's quartet-in-residence. In addition, the Library sponsored the second National Book Festival in cooperation with first lady Laura Bush on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol and the National Mall on Oct. 12.
During the year, the Library continued to implement the new Integrated Library System (ILS), achieved record high production of cataloging data, and played a leadership role in the development of online reference services.
The Library's popular, award-winning Web Site (www.loc.gov) remained its principal medium for sharing its vast resources with individuals and institutions throughout the United States and around the world. At year's end, the site contained more than 7.8 million American historical items for scholars and researchers, children and families.
Through a collaborative digitization effort known as Global Gateway (formerly International Horizons), the Library added to its Web site materials that highlight the multicultural influences that have shaped the nation. The Library is also working in partnership with other organizations to develop a National Digital Information and Infrastructure Preservation Program to sort, acquire, describe, and preserve electronic materials.
