Library of Congress: News

Inaugural Class of National Digital Stewardship Residents Selected

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:08:20 GMT

The Library of Congress, in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, has selected 10 candidates for the inaugural class of the National Digital Stewardship Residency (NDSR) program. The nine-month program begins in September 2013.

Library of Congress Appoints Natasha Trethewey To Second Term as U.S. Poet Laureate

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 13:37:19 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed Natasha Trethewey to serve a second term as U.S. Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry.

Library of Congress 2013 Junior Fellows Appointed

Wed, 29 May 2013 20:34:12 GMT

A panel of Library curators and specialists has selected 41 college students from among more than 1,100 applicants to participate in the Library’s 2013 Junior Fellows Summer Intern Program.

Local Teachers Selected for National Program

Wed, 29 May 2013 20:33:16 GMT

Several educators from around the country have been selected from a pool of more than 500 applicants to participate in a series of Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources Summer Teacher Institutes to take place from May to August.

New Prize for Drawings of Historic Sites

Wed, 29 May 2013 13:31:03 GMT

Winners of the Leicester B. Holland Prize for the best single-sheet, measured drawing of an historic building, site or structure prepared to the standards of the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS), Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) or the Historic American Landscapes Survey (HALS) have been announced.

Annual Report of the Librarian of Congress

Fri, 24 May 2013 12:15:10 GMT

The Annual Report of the Librarian of Congress for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2012, has been published.

First-Ever Braille Summit

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:50:33 GMT

More than 50 braille readers, braille literacy professionals, librarians and others with a stake in the future of braille will gather at Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, Mass., in an event sponsored by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) at the Library of Congress.

Veterans History Project Recognizes Vietnam Veterans with Fourth Installment of Web Feature

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:58:42 GMT

The final installment of the Veterans History Project’s (VHP) year-long special "Experiencing War" website series recognizing the 50-year commemoration of the Vietnam War will launch May 24.

Library of Congress and Mid-Atlantic Public Libraries Announce Summer Essay Contest

Fri, 17 May 2013 17:57:41 GMT

The Library of Congress today announced a summer essay contest in conjunction with public libraries in the Mid-Atlantic region encouraging rising 5th and 6th grade students to reflect on books that have made a personal impact on their lives.

FEDLINK Awards for Federal Librarianship

Wed, 15 May 2013 18:31:46 GMT

The Federal Library and Information Network (FEDLINK) has announced the winners of its national awards for federal librarianship, which recognize the many innovative ways that federal libraries, librarians and library technicians fulfill the information demands of government, business and scholarly communities and the American public.

Letters About Literature Winners Announced

Fri, 10 May 2013 18:40:04 GMT

Letters About Literature, a national reading and writing program that asks young people in grades 4 through 10 to write to an author (living or deceased) about how his or her book affected their lives, has announced its 2013 winners.

Formacion RDA para Catalogadores NACO en Espanol

Fri, 10 May 2013 18:39:28 GMT

La Secretaría del Programa de Cooperación en Catalogación (PCC) coordinado por personal de la Library of Congress ha lanzado una serie de videos en español a través de la Web para apoyar la transición de los catalogadores a las nuevas instrucciones de catalogación con RDA (Recursos: Descripción y Acceso.)

RDA Cataloger Training in Spanish

Fri, 10 May 2013 18:38:49 GMT

The Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC) Secretariat staffed by the Library of Congress has launched a free, comprehensive and authoritative web-based training series in Spanish for catalogers making the transition to the new Resource Description and Access (RDA) protocol.

New Head of Library of Congress Young Readers Center Named

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:19:03 GMT

Karen Jaffe, manager of education projects for MacNeil/Lehrer Productions, producers of the PBS Newshour, is the new head of the Library of Congress Young Readers Center.

Library Acquires Wolff Sports Recordings

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 14:19:26 GMT

The Library of Congress today celebrated the acquisition of sportscaster Bob Wolff's vast personal collection of historic audio and video recordings, documenting some of the greatest names and most golden moments in sports history.

Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction Awarded to Don DeLillo

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:42:11 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has announced that Don DeLillo, author of such critically acclaimed novels as "Underworld," "Mao II" and the National Book Award-winning "White Noise," will receive the first Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction during the 2013 Library of Congress National Book Festival, Sept. 21-22.

Notable Authors To Appear 2013 National Book Festival

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:48:22 GMT

Renowned authors and poets Margaret Atwood, Marie Arana, Taylor Branch, Don DeLillo, Khaled Hosseini, Barbara Kingsolver, Brad Meltzer, Joyce Carol Oates, Katherine Paterson and U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey will be among more than 100 writers speaking at the 13th annual Library of Congress National Book Festival, on Saturday, Sept. 21 and Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013.

Koussevitzky Foundations Announce Commission Winners

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 19:45:44 GMT

The Serge Koussevitzky Music Foundation in the Library of Congress and the Koussevitzky Music Foundation, Inc., have awarded commissions for new musical works to five composers. Jointly granting the commissions are the foundations and the performing organizations that will present the newly composed works.

Library Establishes Prize for National History Day

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:03:06 GMT

The Library of Congress has established a new prize as part of National History Day to encourage students to study discovery and exploration through the ages. The prize honors Elizabeth Ridgway, the late director of Educational Outreach at the Library.

Jean Elshtain Named Kluge Chair in Modern Culture

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 18:57:59 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed Jean Bethke Elshtain, a professor at the University of Chicago, to the Kluge Chair in Modern Culture at the Library’s John W. Kluge Center.

Board Members Named for Literacy Awards

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 13:11:39 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has named a group of distinguished men and women in the field of literacy to serve on the advisory board for the new Library of Congress Literacy Awards.

New National Recording Registry With a Twist

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 12:08:06 GMT

From the cultural significance of Chubby Checker’s song-and-dance phenomenon and the historic moment of Van Cliburn’s triumphant Cold War performance in Moscow to the artistry of Cuban bassist Israel "Cachao" Lopez’s all-star jam sessions, the 2012 inductees to the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress reflect the diversity and creativity of the American experience.

Indian Historian Sanjay Subrahmanyam Appointed Chair At The John W. Kluge Center

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 16:39:16 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed Sanjay Subrahmanyam as the Kluge Chair in Countries and Cultures of the South at the Library’s John W. Kluge Center. Subrahmanyam will begin his tenure on March 15.

Sharon Dolin, Shara McCallum Awarded Poetry Prize

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 17:29:43 GMT

U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey has chosen poets Sharon Dolin and Shara McCallum for the 2013 Witter Bynner Fellowships, and will introduce the poets on April 2 for a reading at the Library of Congress.

Statement on White House Respose to Petition on Sect. 1201 Rulemaking

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:06:03 GMT

In a statement today, the Obama administration announced its view that, as a matter of telecommunications policy, consumers should be able to unlock their legally purchased cell phones for purposes of switching from one wireless carrier to another.

Elmer Eusman Named Chief of the Conservation Division

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 15:40:16 GMT

Elmer Eusman, who has worked for the past 12 years in the Library of Congress Preservation Directorate, has been named chief of the Library’s Conservation Division.

Library of Congress, IMLS Announce New National Digital Stewardship Residency

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 17:19:31 GMT

The Library of Congress and the Institute of Museum and Library Services have announced an open call for applications for the first National Digital Stewardship Residency (NDSR).

Library Announces National Recording Preservation Plan

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 12:34:08 GMT

The Library of Congress today unveiled "The Library of Congress National Recording Preservation Plan," a blueprint for saving America’s recorded sound heritage for future generations. The congressionally mandated plan spells out 32 short- and long-term recommendations involving both the public and private sectors and covering infrastructure, preservation, access, education and policy strategies.

Robin Lovin Named to the Cary and Ann Maguire Chair in Ethics and American History at John W. Kluge Center

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 19:56:54 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed Robin Lovin to the Cary and Ann Maguire Chair in Ethics and American History at the Library’s John W. Kluge Center. His tenure will begin Feb. 1.

Library of Congress Seeks Applicants for Fellowships in the John W. Kluge Center

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 19:55:53 GMT

The John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress is now accepting applications for a diverse set of fellowships.

Applications Being Accepted for New Library of Congress Literacy Awards

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 19:27:14 GMT

Applications are now being accepted for the new Library of Congress Literacy Awards, which are made possible through the generosity of David M. Rubenstein.

Congressional Record, CBO Cost Estimates Added to Congress.gov

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 18:34:33 GMT

The Library of Congress today is adding the Congressional Record, published by the Government Printing Office (GPO), and cost-estimate reports from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to its Congress.gov beta website, a public site for accessing free, fact-based legislative information.

"Books That Shaped America" Available on Amazon

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 13:07:30 GMT

The Library of Congress today announced that Amazon will offer a special collection of "Books That Shaped America," based on the Library's recent selection of books by American authors that provoked thought, controversy and change throughout American history. The initial 88-book list has been expanded by the Library to a full 100.

Bible Used in Lincoln, Obama Inaugurations on Display

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 14:14:24 GMT

The Lincoln inaugural Bible used by Barack Obama when he took his first presidential oath of office in 2009--which will be used again by the president along with Martin Luther King's Bible at his second inauguration on Jan. 21--will go on display at the Library of Congress from Jan. 23 to Feb. 18.

FEDLINK to Manage Info Acquisitions for Federal Agencies

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 17:21:24 GMT

The Federal Library and Information Network will manage the acquisition of information products and services on behalf of federal agencies that opt into the program.

Mary Pickford Subject of New Book, Film Tour

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 17:45:30 GMT

Christel Schmidt, editor of "Mary Pickford: Queen of the Movies," will discuss Pickford’s career at free, public film-screening and book-signing events held January through May 2013 at more than 25 venues nationwide.

Afghan President Receives Digitized Cultural Treasures

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 14:06:17 GMT

In a ceremony at the U.S. Department of State with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton -- joined by Librarian of Congress James H. Billington and Carnegie Corporation of New York President Vartan Gregorian -- announced the gift of a collection of digitized treasures from the holdings of the Library of Congress relating to the culture and history of Afghanistan to libraries and universities in Afghanistan.

Library Acquires Historic Sports Audio Recordings

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 13:58:05 GMT

The Library of Congress announced today the acquisition of 15 years of recorded sports interviews originally broadcast on the radio network program "Sports Byline USA," hosted by Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Ron Barr, between 1988 and 2003.

25 Added to National Film Registry

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 11:12:54 GMT

The Librarian of Congress James H. Billington today named 25 motion pictures that have been selected for inclusion in the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress. These cinematic treasures represent important cultural, artistic and historic achievements in filmmaking.

Apply for 2013 Junior Fellows Internships

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 23:17:04 GMT

This summer the Library of Congress once again is offering special 10-week paid fellowships to college students. For a stipend of $3,000, the 2013 class of Junior Fellows will work full-time with Library specialists and curators from May 28 through Aug. 2, 2013.

Emancipation Proclamation Draft on Display in Jan.

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 14:01:27 GMT

The Library of Congress will place on display the first draft of the Emancipation Proclamation, handwritten by President Abraham Lincoln, for six weeks beginning Jan. 3, 2013, to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the proclamation’s signing.

Carole King Named Recipient of Gershwin Prize

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 15:35:42 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington today announced that Carole King is the 2013 recipient of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.

Library of Congress Magazine Nov-Dec 2012

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:46:34 GMT

A new exhibition highlighting the personal aspects of the Civil War in America is the focus of the cover story of this issue, which also includes a celebration of books that shaped America, the facts behind the Maya calendar and 2012, and the first recipe for pumpkin pie.

Renowned Reader Supports New Literacy Awards As Library of Congress Hosts International Summit of the Book

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 20:48:05 GMT

The Library of Congress today opened the first International Summit of the Book, a gathering of leaders in academia, libraries, culture and technology to discuss the powerful and crucial form of information transmittal. As the conference opened, attendee and longtime friend of reading David Rubenstein announced he is contributing $1.5 million to fund three new Library of Congress annual literacy awards over five years.

Lomax Southern Journey Focus of New Book

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 15:56:46 GMT

"The Southern Journey of Alan Lomax: Words, Photographs, and Music" is a new look at the legendary folklorist and his work.

Audio Interviews with Popular Music Icons

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 14:13:26 GMT

The Library has made a series of interviews by recording executive Joe Smith available free online. THe primary-source oral histories cover perhaps the most important 50 years of popular music, nationally and internationally and include conversations with Mick Jagger, Tony Bennett, Ray Charles, B.B. King and Paul McCartney.

Nicole Saylor Appointed Head of American Folklife Center Archive

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 17:54:20 GMT

The Library of Congress has appointed Nicole Saylor as Head of the American Folklife Center Archive. Saylor will assume her duties next month. She replaces Michael Taft, who retired in early 2012.

Hitchcock Named Kissinger Chair at Kluge Center

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 17:24:11 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed William I. Hitchcock as the Henry A. Kissinger Chair in Foreign Policy and International Relations at the Library’s John W. Kluge Center. He will begin his tenure on Dec. 3.

Third Installment of VHP Feature Honoring Vietnam Vets

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 20:06:21 GMT

The latest installment of the Veterans History Project’s (VHP) Experiencing War website feature, titled "Vietnam War: Looking Back, Part 3," launches today.

Movie Icon Mary Pickford Subject of New Book, Talk, Tour

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 19:46:38 GMT

A new book on "America's Sweetheart" of the early 20th century, Mary Pickford, sheds new light on this icon’s life and legacy.

First International Summit of the Book

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 16:26:22 GMT

The Library of Congress on December 6 and 7 will host the first International Summit of the Book, a gathering of leaders in academia, libraries, culture and technology to debate and discuss the powerful and crucial form of information transmittal: the book.

VHP Launches "Share Your Thanks" Initiative

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 16:09:46 GMT

During the month of November, the Veterans History Project (VHP) of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center encourages individuals to participate in the "Make It Meaningful Initiative." From Veterans Day through Thanksgiving, the nation is asked to embrace traditions of generosity and an appreciation for servicemen and servicewomen, many of who belong to peer and professional communities.

World Digital Library Adds Florentine Codex

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 19:34:33 GMT

The Florentine Codex, a unique manuscript dating from 1577 preserved in the Medicea Laurenziana Library in Florence, is for the first time available online in digital format, the Library of Congress announced today.

Grinspoon to Begin Tenure as Astrobiology Chair

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 13:33:30 GMT

American astrobiologist David H. Grinspoon begins his one-year tenure Nov. 1 as the first Baruch S. Blumberg NASA/Library of Congress Chair in Astrobiology at the Library’s John W. Kluge Center.

Chronicling America Posts 5 Millionth Page

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 15:03:30 GMT

The Chronicling America website, chroniclingamerica.loc.gov, a free, searchable database of historic U.S. newspapers, has posted its 5 millionth page.

Swann Foundation Accepting Fellowship Applications

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 13:56:27 GMT

The Caroline and Erwin Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon, administered by the Library of Congress, is accepting applications for its graduate fellowship for the 2013-2014 academic year. Applications are due by close of business on Friday, Feb. 15, 2013, and notification will occur in the spring.

Library of Congress Highlights Historical Civil War Figures in New Blog

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 13:55:11 GMT

The Library of Congress will debut a unique new blog to complement its exhibition, "The Civil War in America," which opens Nov. 12. The blog will help chronicle the sacrifices and accomplishments of those—from both the North and South—whose lives were lost or affected by the events of 1861–1865.

The Return of the Exquisite Corpse!

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 14:29:30 GMT

Just in time for the Halloween season, the Library of Congress is re-releasing its popular online serial adventure story, "The Exquisite Corpse Adventure" a rollicking family online book and audio podcast series, with a new episode released every Friday through the end of March 2013.

Call for Applications: NASA/Library of Congress Chair in Astrobiology

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 15:34:43 GMT

The John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress is accepting applications and nominations for the Baruch S. Blumberg NASA/Library of Congress Chair in Astrobiology.

Wesley Granberg-Michaelson Named Distinguished Visiting Scholar at John W. Kluge Center

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 15:02:49 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed Wesley Granberg-Michaelson as a distinguished visiting scholar at the Library’s John W. Kluge Center.

National Book Festival Celebrates Books that Shaped America

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 15:31:37 GMT

Book-lovers from across the country gathered on the National Mall this weekend to celebrate reading and literacy at the 2012 National Book Festival.

New Library of Congress Magazine Debuts

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 17:36:50 GMT

The new Library of Congress Magazine (LCM) debuts this week. The bi-monthly, general-interest magazine features educational and entertaining content about both current and historical events.

Congress.gov Unveiled Today

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 17:04:44 GMT

The Library of Congress and its partners today unveiled Congress.gov, a new public beta site for accessing free, fact-based legislative information. Congress.gov features platform mobility, comprehensive information retrieval and user-friendly presentation and eventually will replace the public THOMAS system and the congressional Legislative Information System (LIS).

New Interim Copyright Royalty Judge

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 12:26:43 GMT

The Librarian of Congress announced the appointment of Richard C. Strasser to serve as interim Copyright Royalty Judge.

Library of Congress Civil War Exhibition Features Never-Before-Seen Items

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 13:36:47 GMT

The Library of Congress exhibition commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War will feature more than 200 unique items, many never before on public view. "The Civil War in America" will be free and open to the public, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, from Nov. 12, 2012, to May 23, 2013, in the Southwest Exhibition Gallery of the Thomas Jefferson Building at 10 First Street S.E., Washington, D.C.

Veterans History Project Recognizes Vietnam Veterans with Second Installment of Web Feature

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 13:35:30 GMT

In January, The Library of Congress Veterans History Project (VHP) launched a multi-year campaign to preserve the stories of the nation's 7 million living Vietnam War veterans. Emphasizing the importance of capturing the experiences of Vietnam veterans and making their stories more accessible, VHP has launched the latest installment in its Experiencing War website presentation, titled "Vietnam War: Looking Back, Part 2." This website feature is part of a year-long series that highlights the wartime stories of those who served during the Vietnam War. These remarkable and intriguing personal recollections are available on VHP's website, www.loc.gov/vets/.

Statement by the Librarian on the Passing of Hal David

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 14:19:26 GMT

A statement by Librarian of Congress James H. Billington regarding the passing of Hal David.

Annual Report Published

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 19:18:51 GMT

The Annual Report of the Librarian of Congress for FY 2011 is now available for download as a PDF.

Renaissance World Maps Focus of New Publication

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 19:26:29 GMT

The Library of Congress is publishing a new book on two 16th-century maps that fundamentally changed the way the world was viewed.

Castells Named Kluge Chair in Technology and Society

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 16:27:51 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed sociologist Manuel Castells as the Kluge Chair in Technology and Society at the Library’s John W. Kluge Center.

Library of Congress Summer Interns Unearth Collection Treasures

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 14:30:10 GMT

The Library of Congress Junior Fellows Summer Interns today presented more than 130 items from 32 unique collections housed in more than 20 Library divisions. The display provides the opportunity for fellows to discuss the historic significance of the collection items they have researched, processed and—in some cases—unearthed during their 10-week internship.

Connecticut Center for the Book Moves to Connecticut Humanities Council

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 14:29:34 GMT

The Connecticut Center for the Book, which has been part of the Hartford Public Library for the past decade, is moving from Hartford to the offices of the Connecticut Humanities Council, based in Middletown.

“Words to the Wise” Is a New Take on Aesop’s Fables

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 13:41:30 GMT

The Library of Congress has released "Words to the Wise: The Aesop’s Fables e-Book," an interactive version of the classic Aesop tales, featuring the colorful illustrations of artist Milo Winter. The free e-book is available on the Library’s read.gov website and as a free app for the iPhone, iPad and Android platforms.

Colleen Shogan Selected as Deputy Director of Congressional Research Service

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 16:00:12 GMT

Mary B. Mazanec, director of the Congressional Research Service (CRS), has selected Colleen J. Shogan as deputy director.

"Reason & Emotion": Fernando Henrique Cardoso

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 23:10:03 GMT

Remarks by former Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso upon the acceptance of the 2012 John W. Kluge Prize for lifetime achievement in the study of humanity in Washington, D.C., July 10, 2012.

Library to Present Cardoso with Kluge Prize

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 14:02:25 GMT

At a ceremony on July 10, Librarian of Congress James H. Billington will award the 2012 John W. Kluge Prize for lifetime achievement in the study of humanity to Fernando Henrique Cardoso, one of the leading scholars and practitioners of political economy in recent Latin American history.

Swann Foundation Announces Awards for 2012‑2013

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 15:21:00 GMT

The Caroline and Erwin Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon, administered by the Library of Congress, is awarding fellowships to five applicants for the academic year 2012-2013. Recipients attend the University of Chicago; Duke, Harvard and Northwestern universities; and the University of Wisconsin.

Library Acquires Carl Sagan Papers

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 10:02:59 GMT

The Library of Congress has acquired the personal papers of American astronomer, astrobiologist and science communicator Carl Sagan (1934-1996).

Books That Shaped America

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 02:07:43 GMT

The Library of Congress is beginning its multiyear "Celebration of the Book" with an exhibition, "Books That Shaped America," opening June 25.

Library Announces New Services at ALA Conference

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 21:17:07 GMT

The Library of Congress is announcing two new service enhancements for librarians and publishers in advance of this year’s American Library Association annual conference in Anaheim, Calif., June 21–26.

Dizard Appointed Deputy Librarian of Congress

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 14:36:22 GMT

The Librarian of Congress, James H. Billington, has appointed Robert Dizard Jr. as the Deputy Librarian of Congress. Dizard currently serves as the Library's Chief of Staff. His appointment is effective June 17.

Intimate Recordings of Music Legends Donated

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 12:34:21 GMT

More than 25 years ago, retired music executive Joe Smith accomplished a Herculean feat—he got more than 200 celebrated singers, musicians and industry icons to talk about their lives, music, experiences and contemporaries. The Library of Congress announced today that Smith has donated this treasure trove of unedited sound recordings to the nation's library.

Library of Congress to Acquire 4,000 California Images by Carol M. Highsmith

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 16:14:43 GMT

The Library of Congress is acquiring 4,000 digital images documenting present-day California from distinguished photographer Carol M. Highsmith, who is traveling throughout the Golden State.

Centennial of Hebraic Collection: Publication, Exhibition

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 16:40:12 GMT

The Library is celebrating the centennial of its Hebraic Collection with the publication this month of "Perspectives on the Hebraic Book: The Myron M. Weinstein Memorial Lectures at the Library of Congress" and an exhibition titled "Words Like Sapphires: 100 Years of Hebraica at the Library of Congress, 1912-2012."

Natasha Trethewey Named Poet Laureate

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 10:13:44 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington today announced the appointment of Natasha Trethewey as the Library's Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry for 2012-2013.

Orin Kerr Named Scholar in Residence

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 16:40:08 GMT

Distinguished law professor Orin S. Kerr has been selected as the first scholar in residence for the Daniel and Florence Guggenheim Foundation Program on Demography, Technology and Criminal Justice at the Library of Congress.

Texas, Illinois Libraries Honored for Service to Blind, Disabled

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 20:28:16 GMT

The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, part of the Library of Congress, presented awards to libraries in Texas and Illinois for outstanding service to blind and disabled readers.

CORRECTED LINK: New Junior Fellows Named

Wed, 30 May 2012 21:20:08 GMT

A panel of Library curators and specialists has selected 38 college students from among more than 600 applicants to participate in the Library's 2012 Junior Fellows Summer Internship Program.

Letters About Literature Winners Announced

Fri, 25 May 2012 14:00:05 GMT

Letters About Literature, a national reading and writing program that asks young people in grades 4 through 12 to write to an author (living or deceased) about how his or her book affected their lives, has announced its 2012 winners.

VHP Recognizes Vietnam Vets

Fri, 25 May 2012 14:01:26 GMT

The Veterans History Project has launched the latest installment in its Experiencing War website presentation, titled "Vietnam War: Looking Back, Part 1."

New Entries for National Recording Registry

Wed, 23 May 2012 08:14:41 GMT

The voices of former slaves, the sounds of Native American culture, the creative wordplay of "Rapper's Delight," Donna Summer's electric 1977 hit and the only surviving recording of a stage icon are among the sound recordings selected for induction into the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress.

Preliminary Authors Announced for 2012 Book Festival

Thu, 17 May 2012 19:17:18 GMT

Renowned authors Philip Roth, Mario Vargas Llosa, T.C. Boyle, Geraldine Brooks, Patricia Cornwell, Jeffrey Eugenides, and poet Nikky Finney will be among more than 100 writers speaking at the 12th annual Library of Congress National Book Festival, Sept. 22-23.

PCC Launches RDA Cataloger Training

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:40:30 GMT

The Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC) Secretariat staffed by the Library of Congress has launched a free, comprehensive and authoritative web-based training series for catalogers making the transition to the new Resource Description and Access (RDA) protocol.

Fernando Henrique Cardoso Awarded Kluge Prize

Mon, 14 May 2012 04:24:24 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington will award the 2012 John W. Kluge Prize for lifetime achievement in the study of humanity to Fernando Henrique Cardoso, one of the leading scholars and practitioners of political economy in recent Latin American history.

FEDLINK Annual Awards for Federal Librarianship

Fri, 11 May 2012 18:06:49 GMT

Gershwin Prize Winners Honored

Tue, 08 May 2012 14:58:43 GMT

The Library of Congress today kicks off a series of events honoring songwriters Burt Bacharach and Hal David, recipients of the 2012 Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.

Presidential Campaign Posters Subject of New Library of Congress Publication

Fri, 04 May 2012 15:23:16 GMT

Drawn from the Library’s collection of more than 100,000 posters covering a wide variety of subjects, 100 ready-to-frame campaign posters about politicians from Andrew Jackson to Barack Obama are included in "Presidential Campaign Posters." Each of these posters is backed with colorful historical commentary and additional artwork from their respective campaigns.

Papers of Justice Byron White Opened for Research

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:15:46 GMT

The papers of U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Byron R. White, which are expected to add to knowledge of the court’s interpretation of constitutional law over three decades, are open to research through the Manuscript Division of the Library of Congress.

Library, Ad Council Team Up with Reading is Fundamental

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 19:13:17 GMT

In a nationwide effort to communicate to parents the importance of reading to their school-aged children, the Library of Congress and the Ad Council have teamed up with Reading is Fundamental (RIF) to launch a new national public service advertising (PSA) campaign, "Book People Unite."

Librarian Names New Chief Copyright Royalty Judge

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:33:51 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington today announced his selection of Suzanne M. Barnett as the new chief copyright royalty judge and head of the Copyright Royalty Board.

David Grinspoon Named to Astrobiology Chair

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:33:10 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has named David H. Grinspoon the first Baruch S. Blumberg NASA/Library of Congress Chair in Astrobiology in the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress. The chair is a joint project between the NASA Astrobiology Institute and the Kluge Center.

New Online Collection & Book Features Rare Garden Images

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 11:16:24 GMT

The Library of Congress today is releasing online the digital images of a rare collection of more than 1,000 hand-colored, glass-plate lantern slides of American gardens taken a century ago by one of the first professional female photographers to achieve international prominence, Frances Benjamin Johnston.

Library Acquires Lee Strasberg Collection

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:47:28 GMT

The Library of Congress has acquired the initial portion of the personal papers of the American director, producer, actor and acting teacher Lee Strasberg.

Joseph Puccio Named Collections Development Officer

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 20:19:38 GMT

Joseph A. Puccio, head of the Acquisitions Fiscal and Support Office at the Library of Congress, has been named collections development officer in Library Services.

Mark Sweeney Appointed Director of Preservation

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 18:25:18 GMT

Mark Sweeney, chief of the Humanities and Social Sciences Division at the Library of Congress, has been named director of Preservation, succeeding Dianne van der Reyden, who will retire at the end of March. Sweeney begins work in his new position on April 2, 2012.

Veterans History Project Examines Military Photography

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:48:50 GMT

The Library of Congress Veterans History Project has launched "Military Photographers: Framing the Shot," the accounts of 15 veterans who photographed the defining conflicts of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Keninger Appointed Director of the NLS

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:36:58 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington today announced the appointment of Karen A. Keninger as director of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), effective March 26.

New Endowment to Support Contemporary Music

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:03:16 GMT

The Library of Congress will inaugurate the Dina Koston and Roger Shapiro Fund for New Music with a two-day tribute to the distinguished pianist and composer Dina Koston on March 7 and 8. The endowment will support commissions of new works and performances at the Library.

Library & French Archive Exchange Cinema & TV Treasures

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:48:22 GMT

The Library of Congress and the French Institut National de l'Audiovisuel (INA), in an unprecedented collaboration, will exchange up to 500 hours of digitized film and television content over the next three years, reflecting how the United States and France have been portrayed in each other's media.

Junior Fellows Summer Internships Available

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:58:21 GMT

This summer the Library of Congress once again is offering special 10-week paid internships to college students. For a stipend of $3,000, the 2011 class of Junior Fellows Summer Interns will work full-time from May 29 through Aug. 3.

VHP To Collect Vietnam War Stories

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:16:14 GMT

The Library of Congress Veterans History Project has launched a multi-year campaign to preserve the stories of the nation's Vietnam War veterans.

Naval Observatory Donates Rare Book to Library of Congress

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:37:24 GMT

The Library of Congress announced today the acquisition of a rare book to its Thomas Jefferson’s Library. Donated by the United States Naval Observatory, a Latin version of "Sur la Figure de la Terre," written by the 18th-century French mathematician and philosopher Pierre-Louis Moreau de Maupertuis, will join the more than 6,000 titles already assembled in the collection.

New Digital Curation Residency Program

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:36:46 GMT

The Library of Congress and the Institute of Museum and Library Services will collaborate to develop and implement a national residency program in digital curation, involving the collection, selection, management, and long-term preservation and accessibility of digital assets.

Library of Congress Offers Congressional Record As iPad App

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:48:31 GMT

The Library of Congress, at the initiative of House Leadership and under the guidance of the Committee on House Administration, today announced it has made the Congressional Record available as an app to users of iPad tablet devices.

New Library Publication Highlights Civil Rights Struggle

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:48:01 GMT

"Miles to Go for Freedom: Segregation and Civil Rights in the Jim Crow Era" by Linda B. Osborne has been published by the Library of Congress and Abrams Books.

Gayle Osterberg Named Director of Communications

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:15:48 GMT

The Librarian of Congress, James H. Billington, has named Gayle Osterberg, a veteran communications specialist in Washington D.C., Director of Communications at the Library effective January 30.

Koussevitzky Foundations Announces Commission Winners

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 21:13:31 GMT

The Serge Koussevitzky Music Foundation in the Library of Congress and the Koussevitzky Music Foundation, Inc. have awarded commissions for new musical works to eight composers.

Roberta Shaffer Appointed Associate Librarian for Library Services

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:41:50 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed Roberta I. Shaffer as associate librarian for Library Services. The appointment of Shaffer, who has served as the Law Librarian of Congress since August 2009, is effective immediately.

David Mao Appointed Law Librarian of Congress

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:41:06 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed David S. Mao as the 23rd Law Librarian of Congress. The appointment of Mao, who has served as Deputy Law Librarian since June 2010, is effective immediately.

Walter Dean Myers Named Ambassador for Young People's Lit

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:18:58 GMT

Walter Dean Myers, five-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Award and two Newbery Honors, today was named National Ambassador for Young People's Literature by Librarian of Congress James Billington. Myers will serve in the position during 2012 and 2013, succeeding Katherine Paterson.

25 Films Added to National Film Registry

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:46:08 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington today selected "forrest Gump" and 24 others to be preserved as cultural, artistic and historical treasures in the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress.

New Director of American Folklife Center

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:04:54 GMT

Elizabeth "Betsy" Peterson has been appointed Director of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, effective January 16, 2012. Peterson succeeds Peggy A. Bulger, who retires from federal service on December 31.

Historic Bell Recordings Unlocked

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:07:49 GMT

Nearly 10 years ago, the Library of Congress initiated a research collaboration with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to study the application of digital imaging to the extraction of sound from phonograph records and other grooved media. That collaboration has resulted in unlocking experimental sound recordings made more than 100 years ago by Alexander Graham Bell and associates.

Mary Mazanec Named CRS Director

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:18:28 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed Mary B. Mazanec as director of the Congressional Research Service (CRS). The appointment of Mazanec, who has served since April 2011 as CRS acting director, is effective immediately.

Call for Applications for Astrobiology Chair

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 19:58:29 GMT

The John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress is accepting applications and nominations for the new Baruch S. Blumberg NASA/Library of Congress Chair in Astrobiology.

NASA/Library of Congress Establish Chair in Astrobiology

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:51:07 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced today the establishment of the Baruch S. Blumberg NASA/Library of Congress Chair in Astrobiology to focus on an important area of human inquiry—the cultural, philosophical, ethical and societal implications of astrobiology.

Commemorate Veterans Day with Make it Meaningful Initiative

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:25:20 GMT

The Veterans History Project celebrates Veterans Day 2011 as an opportunity to make the holiday more meaningful by recognizing veterans in the workplace through the Make it Meaningful Initiative.

Talking-Book Program Honors Pioneers

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 18:40:07 GMT

During a celebration of the Pioneers' 100th anniversary as a volunteer organization, the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) of the Library of Congress today presented a proclamation, recognizing the group's role in serving blind and disabled readers.

NLS Works with Hospitals Serving Veterans

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 18:39:40 GMT

In honor of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) of the Library of Congress announces its program with military hospitals and rehabilitation centers to distribute digital talking-book players to service members who can no longer read or handle printed materials.

Library Adds AIA/AAF Architectural Collections

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:29:25 GMT

The Library of Congress announced today the acquisition of the American Institute of Architects and American Architectural Foundation Collection, consisting of rare and significant architectural drawings, photographs and illustrated publications.

Library Census Maps 1,000 Federal Libraries

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 18:14:31 GMT

Profiles of U.S. federal libraries from around the world are now available online. Presented dynamically with an interactive mapping tool, the Federal Library Directory displays geographic and collections data from more than 1,000 libraries.

Levine Featured in "Poet & Poem" Series

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 18:13:52 GMT

U.S. Poet Laureate Philip Levine and more than 20 other noted poets will be featured in the 2012 season of "The Poet and the Poem from the Library of Congress." The radio series premieres January 11.

Associate Copyright Register Named

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 15:17:53 GMT

Register of Copyrights Maria A. Pallante has named Michele Woods to the position of Associate Register for Policy and International Affairs.

Director of Copyright Office Announces Priorities

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:29:25 GMT

Register of Copyrights Maria A. Pallante today made public her office’s priorities and special projects through October, 2013.

New Book Honors John Cole's Contributions

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:28:52 GMT

Few individuals are recognized by essays published in their honor while they are still fully engaged in their chosen profession. John Y. Cole, Director of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, is one of those exceptions.

Library of Congress Quarterly Journal Available in JSTOR

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:38:47 GMT

The full archive of the Quarterly Journal of the Library of Congress is now accessible electronically through JSTOR, a not-for-profit shared digital library.

Swann Foundation Accepting Fellowship Applications

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 20:52:43 GMT

The Caroline and Erwin Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon, administered by the Library of Congress, is accepting applications for its graduate fellowship for the 2012-2013 academic year. Applications are due by close of business on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012.

Collegiate Book Collecting Contest Winners Announced

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 20:52:01 GMT

The Center for the Book and the Rare Book and Special Collections Division of the Library of Congress, the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America and the Fellowship of American Bibliographic Societies have announced the winners of the National Collegiate Book Collecting Contest.

Library of Congress Selects 2011-12 Teacher-in-Residence

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:05:31 GMT

Earnestine Sweeting, a fifth-grade classroom teacher at P.S. 153, The Helen Keller School, in the Bronx, N.Y., has been selected as the Library's 2011-2012 Teacher-in-Residence.

River of Words Gets a New Home

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:11:39 GMT

The Saint Mary’s College Center for Environmental Literacy in Moraga, Calif., is the new home of the River of Words environmental poetry and visual arts program, which the Center for the Book has co-sponsored since its inception in 1995.

New: Illustrated Timeline of the Civil War

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:35:26 GMT

To mark the sesquicentennial of the bloodiest conflict on American soil, the nation’s library, in collaboration with Little, Brown and Company, has published "The Library of Congress Illustrated Timeline of the Civil War" by Margaret E. Wagner, with an introduction by historian Gary W. Gallagher.

New Publication: Lincoln & the Gettysburg Address

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:34:57 GMT

To commemorate the centennial of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address in 1963, the Library of Congress published "Long Remembered: Lincoln and his Five Versions of the Gettysburg Address" with text by two scholars from the Library’s Manuscript Division, David D. Mearns and Lloyd A. Dunlap.

Library Receives Gift of Artwork by Nicola Green

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 20:38:28 GMT

The Library of Congress today announced the acquisition of a series of seven serigraph prints titled "In Seven Days …" by British artist Nicola Green. The prints were inspired by Green’s personal experiences while following Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign.

Book Festival Survey

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 20:33:09 GMT

Don't forget... give us your opinion of this year's National Book Festival in Washington, D.C. Thanks!

Thousands Throng to Two-Day Book Festival

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 20:51:42 GMT

An estimated 200,000 book-lovers gathered on the National Mall this past weekend for the first-ever two-day National Book Festival. The 2011 event featured presentations and book signings by more than 100 of our nation’s bestselling authors, illustrators and poets including Toni Morrison, Hoda Kotb, Dave Eggers, David McCullough, Terry McMillan, Katherine Paterson, Garrison Keillor and Jim Lehrer.

Bacharach & David Named Recipients of Gershwin Prize

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:28:55 GMT

The Librarian of Congress, James H. Billington, announced today that Grammy- and Academy-Award-winning songwriters Burt Bacharach and Hal David will join the ranks of Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, and Paul McCartney as recipients of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.

Applicants for Kislak Fellowship Sought

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 17:23:03 GMT

The John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress is accepting applications for a Kislak Fellowship that offers a post-doctoral scholar an opportunity to conduct research in the culture and history of the early Americas, from the contact period to circa 1819, with particular emphasis on Florida, the Caribbean and Mesoamerica, using the Jay Kislak Collection and other resources at the Library.

AFC Endangered Music To Be Reissued

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:45:21 GMT

The American Folklife Center’s Endangered Music Project will be reissued as part of Smithsonian Folkways Recordings’ "The Mickey Hart Collection" on Oct. 11. Music will be available digitally (stream and download) for the first time while keeping physical versions in print as on-demand CDs.

More Than 100 Authors to Highlight 2011 National Book Festival

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 14:30:13 GMT

An unprecedented 112 authors, poets and illustrators will speak and meet with their readers at the 2011 National Book Festival, sponsored by the Library of Congress. The event, to be held Saturday, Sept. 24 and Sunday, Sept. 25 on the National Mall – rain or shine – also will offer more authors and activities for young readers than ever before.

Library Seeks Applicants for Kissinger Chair

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 22:29:12 GMT

The John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress is accepting applications and nominations for the Henry A. Kissinger Chair in Foreign Policy and International Relations.

Library Awarded Guggenheim Grant for Criminal Justice Research

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 22:28:36 GMT

The Daniel and Florence Guggenheim Foundation has awarded a $150,000 grant to the Library of Congress to support a program on demography, technology and criminal justice.

Papers of John Raitt to Join Library Collections

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 22:27:55 GMT

The Music Division of the Library of Congress will receive an extensive collection of Broadway and personal memorabilia from the estate of Broadway giant John Raitt, who originated the role of Billy Bigelow in the Rodgers and Hammerstein show "Carousel" and also starred in "The Pajama Game," "Oklahoma!" and other top musicals from the 1940s to the 1960s.

United States Copyright Office Releases Section 302 Report

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 21:13:45 GMT

The U.S. Copyright Office today issued its report on marketplace alternatives to the statutory licenses set forth in Sections 111, 119 and 122 of the Copyright Act as required by Section 302 of the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act of 2010 (STELA).

Library Announces Agreement with Small Press Expo

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 21:13:11 GMT

The Library of Congress today announced an agreement with Small Press Expo that will allow the Library to acquire independent comics and cartoon-art forms—material that it does not receive through copyright deposit.

Library, Smithsonian Launch Civil Rights History Project Website

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 21:11:20 GMT

The American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture have launched The Civil Rights History Project.

Kluge Center Announces Fellows

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 21:10:43 GMT

The John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress announces the appointment of 12 post-doctoral fellows, who will conduct humanistic and social-science research in the Library’s large and varied collections.

Fields of Vision Book Series Features 20th-Century Photographers

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 21:07:28 GMT

Selected images from the works of FSA/OWI photographers Gordon Parks (1912-2006), Arthur Rothstein (1915-1985) and Carl Mydans (1907-2004) are now featured in the Library of Congress series titled "Fields of Vision."

Reading Rooms Open, Computers Down Aug. 27

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 19:35:12 GMT

All Library reading rooms will be open regular hours tomorrow, Sat. Aug. 27, but our websites (including computer catalogs) will be down all day. Also, no Internet or wifi service. Sorry for the inconvenience.

France Named Chief of Preservation Research & Testing

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:52:20 GMT

Fenella France, lead scientist for preservation research at the Library of Congress since 2007, has been named chief of the Library's Preservation Research and Testing Division.

"Exquisite Corpse Adventure" to Be Published Aug. 23

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 16:47:29 GMT

"The Exquisite Corpse Adventure," which began as a story of 27 biweekly installments on Read.gov, will soon be available in book form from Candlewick Press.

Philip Levine Named Poet Laureate

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:44:39 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington today announced the appointment of Philip Levine as the Library’s 18th Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry for 2011-2012.

Library of Congress Seeks Volunteer Docents

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 22:55:04 GMT

The Library of Congress is recruiting the 2011 class of volunteer docents to lead tours of the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution. Docent training classes will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Tuesdays & Thursdays, from Aug. 30 through Dec. 1.

Ricardo Luna Named a Distinguished Visiting Scholar

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 21:08:39 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed Ricardo V. Luna, a professor and former ambassador from Peru, as a distinguished visiting scholar at the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress.

Photos of Sikkim by Alice Kandell Now Online

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 21:22:21 GMT

Three hundred extraordinary photographs by Alice S. Kandell, showing both people and landscapes of the Himalayan kingdom of Sikkim, are now online at the Library of Congress

Alexander Evans Named Henry Kissinger Scholar

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 18:43:09 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed Alexander Evans, a counselor in the British diplomatic service, as the Henry Alfred Kissinger Scholar in Foreign Policy and International Relations in the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress.

Swann Foundation Announces Fellowships

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 19:44:01 GMT

The Caroline and Erwin Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon, administered by the Library of Congress, announces fellowship awards to four applicants for the 2011-2012 academic year: Lara Saguisag, Margaret Samu, Masha Kowell and Jeremy Stoll.

Fitzgerald Collection of Regional Americana Donated

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 14:36:02 GMT

The Fitzgerald Collection, donated by Carol and Jean Fitzgerald, comprises books, original correspondence, documentation and copies of research materials related to the series devoted to Americana as highlighted in "Series Americana: Post Depression-Era Regional Literature, 1938-1980: A Descriptive Bibliography."

Library of Congress Seeks Applicants For Kluge Fellowships

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:58:09 GMT

The John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress is accepting applications for Kluge Fellowships that offer post-doctoral scholars an opportunity to conduct humanistic and social-science research in the Library’s large and varied collections.

Archiving, Publishing Collaboration with Major Contemporary Photographers Announced by Library of Congress

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:26:29 GMT

A collaboration to facilitate the archiving and publication of a new documentary photography project was announced today by the Library of Congress and the photography group known as Facing Change: Documenting America.

Former Associate Justice John Paul Stevens Receives Wickersham Award For Public Service from Friends of the Law Library of Congress

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 19:53:44 GMT

The Friends of the Law Library of Congress have presented the 2011 Wickersham Award for exceptional public service and dedication to the legal profession to former Supreme Court Associate Justice John Paul Stevens.

Rare 15th-Century Reference Work Acquired by Law Library

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 14:48:20 GMT

The Law Library of Congress has acquired two volumes of an extraordinarily rare 1478 edition of the "Casus breves" of Johannes de Turnhout (c. 1446-1492), printed by the Brotherhood of the Common Life at their Brussels press, Te Nazareth Gheprint.

Pallante Appointed Register of Copyrights

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 16:06:36 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed Maria A. Pallante as the 12th Register of Copyrights and director of the United States Copyright Office, effective today.

Wings of War from VHP

Fri, 27 May 2011 14:51:59 GMT

The digitized, first-hand accounts of 24 military aviators are featured in "Wings of War," the 34th website feature in the Experiencing War series from the Library of Congress Veterans History Project.

Authors Announced for 2011 Book Festival

Wed, 25 May 2011 22:40:45 GMT

World-renowned authors David McCullough, Russell Banks, Dave Eggers, Terry McMillan, Pulitzer Prize-winners Siddhartha Mukherjee and Jennifer Egan, Garrison Keillor, Amy Chua and Nobel- and Pulitzer Prize-winner Toni Morrison will be among more than 80 writers speaking at the 11th annual National Book Festival, organized and sponsored by the Library of Congress, on Saturday, Sept. 24 and Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011.

"Earth as Art" Exhibition Opens May 31

Wed, 18 May 2011 12:48:47 GMT

When Earth is viewed from space, cloud formations, coastlines, mountain ranges, islands, deltas, glaciers and rivers take on patterns resembling abstract art—with striking textures and brilliant colors. These images can be seen in a new exhibit at the Library of Congress, starting May 31.

FLICC Awards for Federal Librarianship

Fri, 13 May 2011 20:52:06 GMT

The Federal Library and Information Center Committee (FLICC) has announced the winners of its national awards for federal librarianship.

AFC Announces Recipients of Fellowships, Awards

Thu, 12 May 2011 15:54:48 GMT

The American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress (AFC) has awarded its 2011 fellowships.

The Story Behind the National Jukebox

Tue, 10 May 2011 14:10:10 GMT

Read about the Library's new National Jukebox project.

Library Launches National Jukebox

Tue, 10 May 2011 14:06:19 GMT

The Library of Congress and Sony Music Entertainment today unveiled a new website of more than 10,000 rare historic sound recordings available to the public for the first time digitally.

42 Junior Fellows Appointed to Summer Internship Program

Fri, 06 May 2011 18:41:07 GMT

For the seventh year, college students from across the country will participate in the Library’s Junior Fellows Summer Internship Program.

Letters About Literature Reading-Writing Program Winners Announced

Mon, 02 May 2011 15:01:55 GMT

Letters About Literature, a national reading and writing program that asks young people in grades 4 through 12 to write to an author (living or dead) about how his or her book affected their lives, has announced its 2011 winners.

Photographic Albums Are Subject of New Library Publication

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 17:49:36 GMT

Published by Aperture (www.aperture.org ) in association with the Library of Congress, "Photographic Memory: The Album in the Age of Photography" traces the rise of the album from the turn of the century to the present day. It showcases some of the most important examples in the history of the medium that are housed in the Library’s unparalleled collections.

Papercut Bar Mitzvah Book Donated to the Library of Congress

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 12:22:23 GMT

Israeli papercut artist Archie Granot will present to the Library of Congress "The Ram Granot Bar Mitzvah Book." Granot created this book for his son Ram (Avraham) on the occasion of his bar mitzvah in November 1987. The gift will be housed in the collections of the Hebraic Section of the Library’s African and Middle Eastern Division.

Morton Kondracke Named to Jack Kemp Chair in Political Economy

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 19:29:15 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed Morton Kondracke, a veteran journalist for five decades, to the new Jack Kemp Chair in Political Economy in the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress.

Civil War Photo Exhibition Opens

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 21:27:28 GMT

Portrait photographs of the young men who fought and died in the American Civil War will be on display, starting today at the Library of Congress.

New Professional Development Group for Federal Librarians

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 19:18:16 GMT

To drive innovations in succession planning and knowledge management in the federal information community, the Federal Library and Information Center Committee (FLICC) has formed a New Librarians Working Group (NewFeds).

25 Named to the National Recording Registry

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 12:24:25 GMT

The controversial release of the first recording of contemporary stand-up comedy, the country music hit that divided American women, and an innovative television theme song are among the sound recordings that have been selected for preservation by the Library of Congress. Today, Librarian of Congress James H. Billington named 25 new additions to the ninth annual National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress, ensuring that these cultural, artistic and historical recordings always will be available to the American public.

Deanna Marcum to Receive ALA's Melvil Dewey Medal

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 19:22:06 GMT

Deanna Marcum, associate librarian for Library Services at the Library of Congress, will receive the prestigious Melvil Dewey Medal from the American Library Association (ALA) at its annual convention in New Orleans this summer.

Robert Casper Named Head of the Poetry Center

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 18:47:13 GMT

Robert Casper, programs director for the Poetry Society of America, has been named the head of the Poetry and Literature Center in the Office of Scholarly Programs at the Library of Congress.

Graphic Arts Galleries Open March 18

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 16:48:08 GMT

The Library of Congress announces the opening of the Swann Gallery and the Herblock Gallery on Friday, March 18, 2011. The galleries are two of three exhibition spaces located within the new Graphic Arts Galleries on the ground level of the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building.

Ruth Scovill Named Acting Director of NLS

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 16:49:08 GMT

Ruth Scovill has been appointed acting director of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) at the Library of Congress.

Mary Mazanec Appointed Acting Director of CRS

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 19:17:38 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed Mary B. Mazanec as acting director of the Congressional Research Service (CRS).

Joan Halifax Named Distinguished Visiting Scholar

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 14:20:46 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed Joan Halifax, a Zen Buddhist roshi, author and anthropologist, as distinguished visiting scholar in the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress.

Library of Congress Launches Music Consortium Website

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 14:19:53 GMT

The Library of Congress has launched a Music Consortium Treasures website that gives online access to some of the world's most valued music manuscript and print materials from six esteemed institutions at www.loc.gov/musictreasures/.

Library Acquires Historic Radio & TV Sports Recordings

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:20:33 GMT

John Miley’s decades-long passion for sports led him to collect an extensive archive of historical moments in athletic competition. Miley and the Library of Congress announced today that his vast collection of sports broadcast recordings made prior to 1972—known in the sporting world as The Miley Collection—will reside among the collections in the world’s largest library. This acquisition represents the largest and most significant collection of sports broadcasts in America.

George Chrousos Named to Kluge Chair in Technology and Society

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 14:57:46 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed Dr. George P. Chrousos, an expert on the medical effects of stress, to the Chair in Technology and Society in the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress.

Koussevitzky Foundation Announces Eight New Commission Winners

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 20:15:42 GMT

The Serge Koussevitzky Music Foundation in the Library of Congress and the Koussevitzky Music Foundation, Inc., have awarded commissions for new musical works to eight composers. Jointly granting the commissions are the foundations and the performing organizations that will present the newly composed works.

Larson Fellowship Applications Available

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 20:01:42 GMT

The John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress is accepting applications for the David B. Larson Fellowship in Health and Spirituality, which offers a post-doctoral scholar an opportunity to conduct research on the impact of religion and spirituality on physical, mental and social health.

The Washington Haggadah Is Subject of New Publication

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 20:40:03 GMT

After the Bible, the haggadah is the most widely read classic text in the Jewish tradition. Read during Passover, this religious text tells each new generation the story of Jewish liberation from slavery in Egypt. More than 4,000 editions have been published since the late-15th century, but few are as exquisite as the Washington Haggadah, produced by Joel ben Simeon in 1478 and housed in the Library of Congress. A stunning facsimile edition will be published in March by Harvard University Press in association with the Library of Congress.

Applicants Sought for Alan Lomax Fellowship

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 20:03:13 GMT

The John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress invites qualified scholars to apply for a post-doctoral fellowship for advanced research based on the Alan Lomax Collection.

Preservation Directorate Hosts Research Fellowship, Internship

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 22:01:21 GMT

The Library of Congress announces a new dissertation research fellowship in partnership with the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) and a new conservation training internship in partnership with the Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation (WUDPAC).

NUCMC Highlights Civil War Collections

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 15:04:57 GMT

Information about historical documents from across the country regarding the outbreak of the Civil War—with links to the home historical societies and repositories of the materials—has been placed online by the National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections (NUCMC).

National Book Festival to be Two-Day Event, Sept. 24-25

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 14:35:55 GMT

The 11th annual National Book Festival, organized and sponsored by the Library of Congress, will become a two-day event this year. The festival will be held on the National Mall between 9th and 14th Streets on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Sept. 25 from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., rain or shine.

2011 Junior Fellows Summer Internships

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 22:12:20 GMT

This summer the Library of Congress is once again offering special 10-week paid internships to college students. For a stipend of $3,000, the 2011 class of Junior Fellows Summer Interns will work full-time from May 31 through July 30, 2011, with Library specialists and curators to inventory, describe, and explore collection holdings and to assist with digital-preservation outreach activities throughout the Library.

VHP Recognizes Military Chaplains

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 21:39:28 GMT

The latest installment of the Veterans History Project’s (VHP) Experiencing War website feature, titled "Chaplains: On a Divine Mission," launches today, also recognized as "Four Chaplains Day," on the 68th anniversary of the sinking of the U.S. Army transport ship Dorchester.

NLS Completes Digital Transition

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 21:38:56 GMT

Two years after starting to produce talking books on digital cartridges, the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, has completed its analog-to-digital transition.

James Reston Jr. Named Scholar in Residence

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 21:38:29 GMT

Distinguished author and historian James Reston Jr. is a scholar in residence at the John W. Kluge Center in the Library of Congress.

John Witte Jr. Named Distinguished Visiting Scholar

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 21:38:02 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed John Witte Jr., a professor at Emory University, as distinguished visiting scholar at the Library’s John W. Kluge Center.

Rare Revolutionary War-Era Map Gift of Rubenstein

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:57:26 GMT

David M. Rubenstein, co-founder and managing director of The Carlyle Group, has given the Library of Congress stewardship of the first map printed in North America, depicting the boundaries of the new American nation and showing the "Stars and Stripes" for the first time.

Hochschild Named to Kluge Chair in American Law & Governance

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 21:40:54 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed Jennifer Hochschild, a professor at Harvard University, to the Chair in American Law and Governance in the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress.

Cardinal McCarrick Named Distinguished Kluge Scholar

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:15:39 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, archbishop emeritus of Washington, as distinguished visiting scholar in the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress.

NLS To Celebrate 80th Anniversary

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:15:04 GMT

On March 3, 2011, the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS)—the Library of Congress’ talking-book and braille program—will celebrate 80 years of helping visually impaired and physically handicapped individuals enjoy reading their favorite books and magazines.

American Folklife Center Announces Archie Green Fellowships

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 16:38:23 GMT

The American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress is accepting applications for Archie Green Fellowships. They will offer scholars an opportunity to provide new documentation and research into the culture and traditions of American workers and will create digital archival materials that will be preserved in the center’s archive and made available to researchers and the public.

Universal Music Group Donates Over 200,000 Master Recordings to the Library of Congress

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 16:18:36 GMT

The American people, through the nation’s library, will receive a post-holiday gift of vintage sound recordings from one of the world’s largest recording companies. The Library of Congress and the Universal Music Group (UMG) announced today the donation of more than 200,000 historic master recordings—many long out-of-print or never released—to the Library’s Recorded Sound Section, which has more than 3 million sound recordings in its collections.

Queens Library and Frick Art Reference Library Are New Cataloging Partners

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 16:17:51 GMT

The Library of Congress welcomes Queens Library in Queens, N.Y., and Frick Art Reference Library in New York, N.Y., as new cataloging partners in the Electronic Cataloging in Publication (ECIP) program.

American Colony in Jerusalem Web Presentation

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 21:04:23 GMT

Selected items from the American Colony in Jerusalem Collection are now accessible on the Library of Congress’ American Memory website.

Adeeb Khalid Named Distinguished Visiting Scholar

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 21:03:49 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed Adeeb Khalid, a professor at Carleton College in Minnesota, as distinguished visiting scholar in the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress.

David Laitin Named to Kluge Center Chair

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 21:03:14 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed David Laitin, a political science professor at Stanford University, to the Chair of the Countries and Cultures of the North in the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress.

Library of Congress Project Wins Preservation Award

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 19:49:15 GMT

The Memento Project, led by researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory and Old Dominion University, has won the Digital Preservation Award 2010.

Library Acquires Snapshot Music Collection

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 18:47:50 GMT

The Library announced today its collaboration with Snapshots Music and Arts Foundation to acquire video and audio tapes, along with thousands of accompanying photographs, of in-depth interviews and exclusive performances by some of the world’s most groundbreaking musicians and industry leaders.

Veterans History Project Commemorates First Decade

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 19:38:51 GMT

The latest installment of the Veterans History Project's (VHP) Experiencing War website feature, titled "VHP: The First Ten Years," has launched in time for nationwide Veterans Day observances. The website feature, one of 32 created thus far, highlights the wartime stories of 20 veterans who represent a cross-section of the more than 70,000 collections donated to the project during its first decade of existence.

Lucia Perillo Awarded Bobbitt National Prize for Poetry

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 22:16:56 GMT

The Library of Congress will award the 2010 Rebekah Johnson Bobbitt National Prize for Poetry to Lucia Perillo for her book "Inseminating the Elephant."

Zinkham Named Chief of Prints & Photographs

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 14:56:24 GMT

Helena Zinkham has been appointed chief of the Library’s Prints and Photographs Division.

Library Acquires Marilyn Church Collection

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 18:08:43 GMT

Artist Marilyn Church, using colored pencil and crayon, has captured some of the most dramatic moments in high-profile courtroom trials during the past 36 years. The Library of Congress is acquiring, through a gift/purchase agreement, an exceptional collection of Church’s drawings.

Braille Institute Creates Cylke Digital Platinum Award

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 18:07:57 GMT

In a tribute to the advent of digital talking books and players for blind and physically handicapped readers—and to the man who ushered in the new medium—Braille Institute Library Services (BILS) in Los Angeles presented the first Frank Kurt Cylke Digital Platinum Awards during its annual open house on Oct. 22.

Russia Presents Library with Silent Films

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 13:57:08 GMT

A major gift from Russia—digitally preserved copies of 10 previously lost U.S. silent films—will help the United States reclaim its silent-film heritage.

Redesigned Search for Finding Aids

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 14:00:10 GMT

Thanks to a completely redesigned search system, 1,100 finding aids will now smoothly lead remote and onsite researchers to more than 32 million archival items in Library of Congress research centers.

Thomas Hampson Receives Living Legend Award

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 13:59:19 GMT

The Library of Congress honored baritone Thomas Hampson with its Living Legend medal during a concert on Oct. 28.

New Deputy Director of CRS

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 13:58:23 GMT

Daniel P. Mulhollan, director of the Congressional Research Service (CRS), selected Mary B. Mazanec as deputy director of the Congressional Research Service. Mazanec began her appointment on Aug. 30.

National Library Service Honors Veterans

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 13:57:36 GMT

This Veteran’s Day, as the nation honors the brave men and women who have risked or given their lives for this country, the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, stands ready to provide eligible veterans access to a free library service that promotes independence, wellness and quality of life.

Scourby's King James Bible Available as Talking Book

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 17:57:33 GMT

The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), part of the Library of Congress, reached a milestone in its digital talking-book program with the reissue of the entire King James Version of the Bible, narrated by Alexander Scourby, on a single digital cartridge.

Library Seeks Applicants for Kemp Scholar

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 17:57:06 GMT

The Library of Congress is accepting applications and nominations for the Kemp Scholar in Political Economy, a distinguished senior research position in the Library’s John W. Kluge Center. Applications and nominations must be postmarked by Monday, Nov. 15.

Library Seeks Kissinger Chair Applications

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 17:56:32 GMT

The John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress is accepting applications and nominations for the Henry Alfred Kissinger Chair in Foreign Policy and International Relations. Applications and nominations must be postmarked by Monday, Nov. 1.

Librarian of Congress Issues Call to Record Veterans' Histories

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 22:02:50 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington launched a new campaign asking America to "collect and preserve the story of at least one veteran" and to "pledge to preserve this important part of American history." Time is of the essence, he added: "Help us gather in the accounts of 10,000 veterans by Veterans Day."

Library Acquires Liljenquist Collection of Civil War Portraits

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 20:29:33 GMT

The Library of Congress has acquired an exceptional collection of nearly 700 ambrotype and tintype photographs showing both Union and Confederate soldiers during the American Civil War.

FLICC Announces Awards for Federal Librarianship

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 20:29:00 GMT

The Federal Library and Information Center Committee (FLICC) has announced the winners of its national awards for federal librarianship, which recognize the many innovative ways that federal libraries, librarians and library technicians fulfill the information demands of government, business and scholarly communities and the American public.

Library Study Shows State of Sound Preservation & Access

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 14:46:28 GMT

Digital technology alone will not ensure the preservation and survival of the nation's sound history. That is one of the findings in a major study released today by the Library of Congress National Recording Preservation Board (NRPB) detailing the state of sound-recording preservation and access.

Collegiate Book Collecting Contest Winners Announced

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 14:45:36 GMT

Winners of the National Collegiate Book Collecting Contest have been announced and will receive their awards during a ceremony on Oct. 15.

2010 National Book Festival Attracts 150,000

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 14:44:24 GMT

Setting a new attendance record, an estimated 150,000 book-lovers gathered today on the National Mall in Washington, D.C for the 10th annual National Book Festival, organized and sponsored by the Library of Congress.

Bronx School Highlighted in Educational Program

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 17:15:06 GMT

In a new professional development module from the Library of Congress, teachers in an urban school setting show how students can learn through the use of primary sources and the inquiry process. The new program, "Supporting Inquiry with Primary Sources," is an hour-long, self-paced program featuring teachers and students of P.S. 153 from Co-Op City (the Bronx), N.Y., and is now available online at no charge.

Library of Congress Discovers Lost British TV Treasures

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 17:14:32 GMT

In an unprecedented collaboration between the Library of Congress and British Film Institute (BFI), the two largest archives of film and television in the world, more than 68 rare recordings from 1957 to 1969 will be returned to the United Kingdom. This marks the Library’s first-ever repatriation of television programs to another country and the largest such repatriation in history. These programs represent a key period in British television.

Library of Congress Takes to the Road

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 19:32:13 GMT

The Library of Congress will launch a new traveling exhibition late in September that will bring facsimiles of many of its top treasures and information about the millions of resources in its unparalleled collections to the heartland of America.

Library Provides Content for Scholastic’s Re-Launch of Dear America Series

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 19:31:37 GMT

The Library of Congress is providing historical content from its vast and unparalleled collections to enhance a new interactive website for Scholastic’s Dear America historical fiction book series.

Statement by James Billington Upon the Death of John W. Kluge

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 19:30:53 GMT

John W. Kluge was a uniquely generous benefactor in the long history of the Library of Congress. In a number of important ways, he has helped us make the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution an innovative force for the new millennium.

New Poetry Anthology Features Works by the Poets Laureate

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:25:01 GMT

Since 1937, the Librarian of Congress has periodically appointed a Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry who aims to raise the publicâs appreciation for poetry. Works by each of the 43 poets who have held the countryâs top poetry position have been compiled in "The Poets Laureate Anthology," a new volume published by the Library of Congress.

Veterans History Project Highlights Pioneering Women Pilots of World War II

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:24:15 GMT

A select group of women pilots paved the way more than 65 years ago: the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). During World War II, they became the first women in history trained to fly American military aircraft.

Book Festival Website Features Favorite-Author Voting

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 17:46:42 GMT

The website for the 10th annual National Book Festival, organized and sponsored by the Library of Congress, features "vote for your favorite Book Festival author."

Benjamin Fordham Named Kissinger Scholar in Kluge Center

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 17:45:52 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed Benjamin Fordham, professor and chair of Binghamton Universityâs Political Science Department, as the Henry Alfred Kissinger Scholar in Foreign Policy and International Relations in the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress, beginning in September 2010.

Highsmith Launches 21st-Century America Photo Project

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 16:54:16 GMT

The cities, towns and countryside of 21st-century America, and the life of its people, are being documented by distinguished photographer Carol M. Highsmith, who is donating her photographs copyright-free to the Library of Congress to ensure worldwide access and preservation.

Library Launches National Digital Stewardship Alliance

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 19:25:28 GMT

The Library of Congress announced today the formation of the National Digital Stewardship Alliance (NDSA), a partnership of institutions and organizations dedicated to preserving and providing access to selected databases, web pages, video, audio and other digital content with enduring value.

Curious George Star of New Literacy PSAs

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 19:24:58 GMT

The Library of Congress and the Advertising Council have launched a new series of public service advertisements (PSAs) to encourage parents to read with their children and inspire them to become lifelong learners, featuring the iconic children’s literary character Curious George.

Enter the Write It! Film It! Summer Video Contest

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 19:23:54 GMT

Don’t put those pencils away just yet! Even if school is out for the summer, the Exquisite Prompt Writing Challenge, based on the unpredictable episodic story "The Exquisite Corpse Adventure" (www.read.gov/exquisite-corpse/), continues with a new twist.

Library Places Gottlieb Jazz Images on Flickr

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:04:58 GMT

William Gottlieb, a columnist for the Washington Post and later a writer for Down Beat magazine, photographed jazz musicians and performers, capturing classic images from 1938 to 1948. A set of these iconic images, part of the Library of Congress William P. Gottlieb Collection, has been uploaded to Flickr.

Library of Congress Seeks Applicants for Kislak Fellowship

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:03:39 GMT

The John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress is accepting applications for a Kislak Fellowship that offers a post-doctoral scholar an opportunity to conduct research related to the discovery, contact and colonial periods in Florida, the Caribbean and Mesoamerica using the Jay Kislak Collection.

DMCA Rules Regarding Access-Control Technology Exemptions

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:16:19 GMT

Section 1201(a)(1) of the copyright law requires that every three years I am to determine whether there are any classes of works that will be subject to exemptions from the statute’s prohibition against circumvention of technology that effectively controls access to a copyrighted work.

Library of Congress Talking-Book Program Receives APEX Award for Publication Excellence

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 20:07:49 GMT

The 20-page booklet "Talking Rooms: Walking Through History at the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped Headquarters" has received an APEX 2010 Award of Excellence in the One-of-a-Kind Government Publication category.

10th Annual National Book Festival to Headline Follett, Glass, Kostova

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:11:58 GMT

The stellar lineup for the 10th annual National Book Festival, organized and sponsored by the Library of Congress, will include international best-selling author Ken Follett; Rae Armantrout, winner of this year’s Pulitzer Prize for poetry; National Book Award winner Julia Glass; Pat Mora, one of the nation’s most beloved writers for children; and Elizabeth Kostova, author of the worldwide sensations "The Historian" and "The Swan Thieves." They will be among more than 70 authors now slated to appear at the event on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010. The event, free and open to the public, will run from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. between 3rd and 7th streets on the National Mall.

Robert R. Newlen Joins Law Library of Congress

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:35:52 GMT

Robert R. Newlen has been appointed assistant law librarian for collections, outreach and services, a new position within the Law Library of the Library of Congress. Currently the assistant director of the Knowledge Services Group in the Congressional Research Service (CRS) in the Library of Congress, Newlen will join the Law Library in mid-August.

Library of Congress Seeks Volunteer Docents

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:35:02 GMT

The Library of Congress is recruiting the 2010 class of volunteer docents to lead tours of the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution.

New Analysis of Jefferson's Draft Show Changes in Declaration of Independence

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 11:12:48 GMT

Recent hyperspectral imaging of Thomas Jefferson’s rough draft of the Declaration of Independence has clearly confirmed past speculation that Jefferson made an interesting word correction during his writing of the document, according to scientists in the Library of Congress’ Preservation Research and Testing Division.

W.S. Merwin Named Poet Laureate

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:04:03 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington today announced the appointment of W.S. Merwin as the Library’s 17th Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry for 2010-2011.

Talking-Book Program Honors TelecomPioneers

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:30:04 GMT

The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), part of the Library of Congress, presented TelecomPioneers, a national organization of telecommunication employees and retirees, with a plaque in recognition of the group’s 50 years of repairing talking-book machines—an effort that has saved U.S. taxpayers an estimated $216 million.

Additions to National Recording Registry

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:13:57 GMT

The lyrics of a rapper whose message transcended conflict to embrace love, the 1970 song that immortalized a country legend, and battle sounds from World War II are among the aural treasures that have been selected for preservation by the Library of Congress. Today, Librarian of Congress James H. Billington named the 25 new additions to the eighth annual National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress, which will ensure that these cultural, artistic and historical recordings are always available to the American public.

Roberta Stevens Inaugurated as ALA President

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:13:15 GMT

Roberta A. Stevens, outreach projects and partnerships officer at the Library of Congress and National Book Festival project manager, will begin her term as president of the American Library Association (ALA) when she is inaugurated during a gala celebration in Washington, D.C., on June 29.

New International Institutions Join World Digital Library

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:38:23 GMT

The Library of Congress has completed the first stages of a three-year effort to enable cultural institutions in sub-Saharan Africa and the countries of the former Soviet Union to join the World Digital Library.

Seattle and Virginia Beach Libraries Receive Awards for Serving the Blind and Physically Handicapped

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:37:48 GMT

The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), part of the Library of Congress, today presented awards to libraries in Seattle and Virginia Beach for outstanding service to the blind and physically handicapped communities.

Swann Foundation Announces Awards for 2010-2011

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:37:20 GMT

The Caroline and Erwin Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon, administered by the Library of Congress, announces fellowship awards to two applicants for the academic year 2010-2011: Leora Maltz-Leca and Jeffreen M. Hayes.

Submissions Open for Poetry at Noon Series

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 17:18:54 GMT

The Poetry and Literature Center at the Library of Congress is seeking submissions from poets who would like to read at the Poetry at Noon series for fall 2010 and spring 2011. Submissions must be postmarked by Thursday, July 15.

Alabama Center for the Book Moves

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:57:56 GMT

The Alabama Center for the Book has a new home, moving to the University of Alabama Libraries from the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities at Auburn University.

Dizard Appointed Chief of Staff

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:57:23 GMT

Robert Dizard Jr., senior adviser to the Librarian of Congress, has been appointed chief of staff.

Suddreth Appointed Chief of Support Operations

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:56:38 GMT

Lucy D. Suddreth has been appointed chief of support operations for the Library of Congress.

Folklife Center Names New Board Members

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:53:00 GMT

Maribel Alvarez of the University of Arizona, Jean Dorton of Big Sandy Community and Technical College in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, and Margaret Z. Robson of New Mexico have been appointed to the board of trustees of the American Folklife Center (AFC) at the Library of Congress. Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.), president pro tempore of the United States Senate, appointed Dorton and Robson, while Alvarez was appointed by Librarian of Congress James H. Billington.

Law Library Staff Member Receives Award

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:51:08 GMT

The American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) announced that the recipient of the 2010 Marian Gould Gallagher Distinguished Service Award is Marie Whited, cataloging liaison in the Law Library of Congress.

Digital Talking Books Celebrated

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:50:34 GMT

Two hundred librarians and staff who serve blind and physically handicapped individuals celebrated the national rollout of the digital talking-book system at the biennial conference hosted by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), part of the Library of Congress.

Library Appoints 41 Junior Fellows to Summer Internships

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:49:52 GMT

For the sixth year, college students from across the country will participate in the Library’s Junior Fellows Summer Internship Program. Working under the direction of Library specialists in various divisions, they will explore and increase access to the institution’s unparalleled collections and resources. In the past, summer interns have identified hundreds of historical, literary, artistic, cinematic and musical gems representing a rich cultural, creative and intellectual heritage.

Library Selects 2010-2011 Teacher-In-Residence

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 14:51:30 GMT

Sara Suiter, a third-grade Spanish-English immersion teacher at the Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School in the District of Columbia, has been selected as the Library’s 2010-2011 Teacher-in Residence.

VHP Marks the Anniversary of the Beginning of the Korean War

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:13:43 GMT

"The Korean War: Not Forgotten" features 26 candid, first-person accounts of Korean War veterans from the Veterans History Project (VHP) in the Library of Congress American Folklife Center. The presentation at www.loc.gov/vets/ marks the 60th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War.

Library and Columbia Agree to Develop Geodata Clearinghouse

Fri, 28 May 2010 19:51:27 GMT

The Library of Congress and Columbia University announced today an agreement to create a web-based clearinghouse of information about best practices for preserving significant geospatial data.

Library Opens New Exhibition Honoring Bob Hope and Political Satire

Fri, 28 May 2010 19:50:34 GMT

Legendary entertainer Bob Hope’s political humor, his relationship with U.S. presidents, and the interplay among the worlds of comedy, politics and civic activism are showcased in the new public exhibition, "Hope for America: Performers, Politics & Pop Culture," opening at the Library of Congress on Friday, June 11.

Audio of "The Exquisite Corpse Adventure" Now Available

Thu, 27 May 2010 19:36:29 GMT

The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) has provided audio recordings for all the episodes of "The Exquisite Corpse Adventure," the rollicking episodic story available exclusively at Read.gov. These podcasts enhance the accessibility of this story, which is being created by some of America's finest writers and illustrators for young people. Read.gov is a website of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.

Blane Dessy To Head FLICC & FEDLINK

Wed, 26 May 2010 20:02:29 GMT

Blane K. Dessy has been named executive director of the Federal Library and Information Center Committee (FLICC) and the Federal Library and Information Network (FEDLINK) at the Library of Congress, effective June 20.

Authors, Website Announced for National Book Festival

Wed, 26 May 2010 13:24:47 GMT

Internationally known authors Isabel Allende, Brad Meltzer, Katherine Paterson, Jane Smiley, David Remnick and Nobel Prize winner Orhan Pamuk will be among more than 70 writers headlining the 10th annual National Book Festival, organized and sponsored by the Library of Congress, Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010, between 3rd and 7th streets on the National Mall. The event, free and open to the public, will run from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (rain or shine).

Kluge Fellowship Applications Available

Tue, 25 May 2010 17:44:20 GMT

McCartney to Be Awarded Gershwin Prize

Mon, 24 May 2010 18:23:05 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington announced today that the third Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song will be presented to Sir Paul McCartney at a special concert in the East Room of the White House on June 2, 2010.

Qatar Foundation, Library Sign Memo of Understanding

Mon, 24 May 2010 18:22:13 GMT

Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al-Missned, wife of the Emir of Qatar, Chairperson of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development and UNESCO Special Envoy for Basic and Higher Education, visited the Library of Congress today, where she met with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Librarian of Congress James H. Billington to discuss cooperation between the Qatar Foundation and the Library.

Library's 2010 Florence Tan Moeson Fellows Announced

Tue, 18 May 2010 18:09:53 GMT

The Library has selected nine individuals to receive 2010 Florence Tan Moeson Fellowships. Under this program, scholars have the opportunity to conduct research using the Libraryâs Asian collections.

Library Collaborates With Chicago History Museum To Preserve Radio Icon Studs Terkel’s Historic Recordings

Tue, 18 May 2010 18:09:04 GMT

The Library of Congress and the Chicago History Museum are collaborating on a major project to digitally preserve and catalog thousands of unique and endangered sound recordings in the Museum’s Studs Terkel Collection of book interviews and WFMT radio programs. Louis "Studs" Terkel, revered as one of the nation’s leading and most prolific oral historians, amassed a wealth of stories in his more than 50 years as a radio host, scholar and Pulitzer Prize-winning author. He compiled a vast collection of recorded oral histories and interviews that reflect his broad expertise and eclectic interests in music, literature, art, history and politics.

Letters About Literature Winners Announced

Tue, 11 May 2010 22:07:33 GMT

Elena Kagan Is Subject of Web Presentation

Tue, 11 May 2010 22:06:42 GMT

On May 10, 2010, President Barack Obama nominated Solicitor General Elena Kagan for appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Law Library of Congress has developed a web presentation on Kagan on its Supreme Court Nominations site.

Nominations Open for Bobbitt Poetry Prize

Mon, 10 May 2010 19:37:29 GMT

The Library of Congress is accepting nominations from publishers for the $10,000 Rebekah Johnson Bobbitt National Prize for Poetry. The prize, for the year 2010, will be awarded in the fall.

FLICC Opens Nominations for Librarian Awards

Mon, 10 May 2010 19:36:54 GMT

To honor the many innovative ways in which federal libraries, librarians and library technicians are fulfilling the information demands of government, business, research, scholarly communities and the American public, the Federal Library and Information Center Committee (FLICC) announces it is opening nominations for its national awards for federal librarianship for fiscal year 2009.

David Rubenstein Donates $5 Million to Library

Thu, 06 May 2010 18:51:59 GMT

David M. Rubenstein, co-founder and managing director of The Carlyle Group, announced today his donation of $5 million ($1 million per year for the next five years) to support the Library of Congress’s National Book Festival, which this year is celebrating its 10th anniversary, "A Decade of Words and Wonder."

AFC Announces New Members of Board of Trustees

Thu, 06 May 2010 12:59:08 GMT

atricia A. Atkinson of the Nevada Arts Council and Joanna Hess of the Indigenous Language Institute of Santa Fe, N.M., have been appointed to the board of trustees of the American Folklife Center.

David Mao Appointed Deputy Law Librarian

Thu, 06 May 2010 12:58:35 GMT

David S. Mao has been appointed to the newly created position of Deputy Law Librarian of Congress.

Exquisite Corpse Adventure Launches Guess the Mystery Author Contest

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 15:08:03 GMT

WETA's AdLit.org and the NCBLA are joining to launch the Exquisite Corpse Adventure Mystery Author Contest. Currently, clues are being posted on the NCBLA's blog every Monday and Wednesday at www.thencbla.blogspot.com and every Friday at www.AdLit.org.

Library of Congress Unveils Redesigned Prints and Photographs Online Catalog

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 14:22:07 GMT

The Library of Congress’ extensive Prints and Photographs Online Catalog (PPOC) now has a new look and exciting new features. A dynamic redesign offers clean and visually inviting pages, with easy-to-use features for searching, browsing and sharing. The improved catalog can be found at www.loc.gov/pictures/.

New Library Publication Features Architecture of Dams

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 13:27:54 GMT

Published by the Library of Congress and W.W. Norton & Company, “Dams” by Christine Macy is a compendium of historic images of North American dams, emphasizing the unique design and engineering complexities of these impressive structures. The book is a singular reference for architects, designers, engineers, students and all those fascinated by the monumental presence of dams in America.

“Concerts from the Library of Congress" Radio Series Airs

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:21:54 GMT

The “Concerts from the Library of Congress” radio series continues in April with new programming on Classical WETA 90.9 FM. Hosted by veteran broadcaster and conductor Bill McGlaughlin, the 13-part series features chamber music performances recorded live in the Library's Coolidge Auditorium over the past 18 months.

Digital Talking-Book Internet Service Delivers One Millionth Download

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:43:28 GMT

On Feb. 21, 2010, Tonia Gatton downloaded the digital talking-book version of “Charlotte’s Web” to her home computer. She knew she was going to read a classic of children’s literature. What she didn’t know was that she was also making history. Gatton’s talking-book selection marked the one millionth piece of reading material delivered by the Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) service, a new initiative from the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress.

“Fields of Vision” Series Features 20th-Century Photographers

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:13:50 GMT

Selected images from the works of Farm Security Administration (FSA)/Office of War Information (OWI) photographers Esther Bubley (1921-1998), Jack Delano (1914-1997) and John Vachon (1914-1975) are now featured in the Library of Congress series titled “Fields of Vision.”

Library of Congress to Offer Junior Fellows Summer Internships

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:38:30 GMT

This summer the Library of Congress is once again offering special 10-week paid internships to college students. For a stipend of $3,000, the 2010 class of Junior Fellows Summer Interns will work full-time from June 7 through Aug. 13 with Library specialists to inventory, describe, and explore collection holdings and to assist with digital preservation outreach activities throughout the Library. The focus of the program is on increasing access to collections and awareness of the Library’s digital preservation programs by making them better known and accessible to researchers including scholars, students, teachers and the general public.

Swiss Psychiatrist Carl Jung’s “Red Book” Is Focus of Library Exhibition Opening June 17

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:40:28 GMT

Nearly a century after its creation, “The Red Book” by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961) will be the centerpiece of a new Library of Congress exhibition titled “The Red Book of Carl G. Jung: Its Origins and Influence” on view June 17 through Aug. 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, in the Thomas Jefferson building, located at 10 First Street S.E., Washington, D.C.

National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Website Debuts

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:24:24 GMT

Entries are currently being accepted in a contest presented as part of the relaunch of a website devoted to a reading-promotion program for young people sponsored by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, the Children’s Book Council (CBC) and Every Child a Reader, the CBC foundation.

Resource Description and Access (RDA) Accessible through Cataloger’s Desktop

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:06:28 GMT

The Library of Congress and the co-publishers of Resource Description and Access (RDA) have announced that subscribers to Cataloger’s Desktop will be able to access the new RDA Toolkit, a separate subscription service rolling out in June 2010, via Cataloger’s Desktop.

“Libraries & the Cultural Record” Honors John Y. Cole’s Contributions to Library

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:34:04 GMT

For more than 30 years, John Y. Cole has led the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress as its founding director and has devoted his scholarly pursuits to the Library’s history and influence on the culture of the nation. To recognize his achievements, the journal “Libraries & the Cultural Record” has just published a book in honor of Cole by devoting the entire issue to his more than 40-year career at the Library of Congress.

“The Library of Congress and the Center for the Book: Historical Essays in Honor of John Y. Cole” is a special issue (2010, vol. 45, no. 1) of the University of Texas journal “Libraries & the Cultural Record: Exploring the History of Collections of Recorded Knowledge.”

Veterans History Project Spotlights the Service of Submariners

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:04:12 GMT

United States Navy submariners Robert Hunt and Arthur Rehme’s remarkable stories are just two of 12 candid, first-person accounts the Veterans History Project (VHP) of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress is spotlighting in a website feature titled, “Submarines: The Silent Service." These one-of-a-kind stories of those who volunteered to serve during conflicts from World War II to the Cold War may be found at www.loc.gov/vets/.

Poet Laureate’s Project, “Poetry for the Mind’s Joy,” Featured on Library of Congress Website

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:33:28 GMT

Detailed information on U.S. Poet Laureate Kay Ryan’s poetry project with community colleges—“Poetry for the Mind’s Joy”—can now be found on the Library of Congress website at www.loc.gov/poetry/mindsjoy/.

Veterans History Project Marks Tenth Year with Events and Initiatives

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:04:54 GMT

The Veterans History Project (VHP) at the Library of Congress American Folklife Center has planned national and local events, activities and initiatives during 2010 to mark the 10th anniversary of its congressional mandate to collect, preserve and make accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans.

New Reference Work on Regional Americana

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:49:03 GMT

"Series Americana: Post Depression-Era Regional Literature, 1938-1980: A Descriptive Bibliography" by Carol Fitzgerald has just been published by Oak Knoll Press and the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.

William Roger Louis Named to Kluge Chair

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 22:06:03 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed William Roger Louis, a distinguished historian from the University of Texas at Austin, to the John W. Kluge Center Chair for Countries and Cultures of the North.

Library O'Sullivan Photos on Display at Smithsonian

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:28:22 GMT

Timothy H. O'Sullivan is considered one of the most important photographers of the American West. In the 19th century, O'Sullivan -- carrying a heavy, large-format camera and boxes of glass-plate negatives that were developed in the field -- created a large and distinguished body of work. The Library of Congress holds more than 900 O'Sullivan images in the Prints and Photographs Division.

Ninety-three items from the Library's collection will be displayed in a major exhibition "Framing the West: The Survey Photographs of Timothy H. O'Sullivan" from Friday, Feb. 12, to Sunday, May 9, at the Smithsonian Institution's American Art Museum, Eighth and F streets, N.W., Washington, D.C.

Frontier Photos Subject of New Book

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:27:42 GMT

Published jointly by the Library of Congress in association with Yale University Press and the Smithsonian American Art Museum, "Framing the West," is the companion catalog to a new Smithsonian exhibition of the same name. The volume includes essays by Toby Jurovics, the exhibition curator, who is the curator of photography at the American Art Museum; Carol Johnson, curator of photography at the Library of Congress; Glenn Willumson, associate professor at the University of Florida; and Will Stapp, an independent scholar.

New Home for New York Center for the Book

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:26:19 GMT

The Library of Congress has approved a proposal from the New York Library Association that it become the new host of the New York Center for the Book.

THOMAS Upgrades Mark System's 15th Anniversary

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:55:04 GMT

In celebration of its 15th anniversary, the Library’s public legislative information system known as THOMAS has been updated for the second session of the 111th Congress. New items include a bookmarking and sharing toolbar, a "Top Five" bills of the week feature, a new RSS feed, links to contact information for members of Congress, a tip of the week, enhanced visibility of the PDF versions of bills and an increased timeout interval.

American Folklife Center Announces Recipients of Archie Green Fellowships

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:24:53 GMT

Robert McCarl, Steve Zeitlin, Nick Spitzer and Maureen Loughran have been awarded the 2010-2011 Archie Green Fellowships from the American Folklife Center (AFC).

“The Exquisite Corpse Adventure” Exclusive Story: Episode 6 Released Online

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:08:21 GMT

Episode six of "The Exquisite Corpse Adventure," an episodic story available exclusively from the Library of Congress, will debut Friday, Dec. 4, at www.Read.gov. Authors Patricia and Fredrick McKissack and illustrator James Ransome are featured with this episode titled "Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!"

"Poet and Poem" Radio Series for 2010

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:44:04 GMT

Seventeen noted writers will be featured in the 2010 season of "The Poet and the Poem from the Library of Congress." The radio series is available to all public radio stations via the Public Radio Satellite System’s ContentDepot, starting Jan. 13, 2010.

Alan Lomax Fellowships Available

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:58:40 GMT

The John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress invites qualified scholars to apply for a post-doctoral fellowship for advanced research based on the Alan Lomax Collection.

Paul McCartney Awarded Third Gershwin Prize

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:17:50 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington today named music legend Paul McCartney as the recipient of the third Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. An all-star tribute concert is planned for spring 2010.

American Folklife Center Announces Fellowship to Honor Archie Green

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:21:23 GMT

A fellowship has been created at the American Folklife Center (AFC) at the Library of Congress to honor the memory of Archie Green (1917-2009), the pioneering folklorist who championed the establishment of the center. The Archie Green Fellowship will support new documentation and research into the culture and traditions of American workers and will create digital archival materials that will be preserved in the AFC’s archive and made available to researchers and the public.

House Designates National Veterans History Project Week

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:46:50 GMT

The U.S. House of Representatives passed H. Res. 866 on November 3, 2009, to designate National Veterans History Project Week "to encourage public participation in a nationwide project that collects and preserves the stories of the men and women who served our Nation in times of war and conflict."

VHP Spotlights Service of Native American Vets

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:46:04 GMT

The Veterans History Project (VHP) at the Library of Congress American Folklife Center spotlights his story and other interviews of Native Americans in "Willing to Serve: American Indians," a website feature that comprises nine first-person accounts of those who volunteered to serve during conflicts from World War II to Iraq. These one-of-a-kind stories can be found at www.loc.gov/vets/.

Cataloger's Desktop 3.0 Now Available

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:11:32 GMT

The Library of Congress this week launched Cataloger's Desktop 3.0, a major modernization of its popular web-based subscription service of important cataloging and metadata resources.

Michael Handy Appointed Deputy Associate Librarian for Library Services

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:34:39 GMT

Michael Handy, special assistant to the associate librarian for Library Services, has been appointed deputy associate librarian for Library Services. He will be responsible for new initiatives in Library Services, ensuring that projects and programs are carried out effectively and integrated into the existing organizational structure.

Accepting Swann Fellowship Applications

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:58:33 GMT

The Caroline and Erwin Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon, administered by the Library of Congress, is accepting applications for its graduate fellowship for the 2010-2011 academic year. Applications are due by close of business on Friday, Feb. 15, 2010, and notification will occur in the spring.

VHP Launches Field Kit Companion Video

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:56:04 GMT

The Veterans History Project (VHP) at the Library of Congress American Folklife Center offers a new video to help volunteer interviewers navigate the VHP Field Kit—a "how-to" guide on recording the first-person oral histories of American wartime veterans. Visit www.loc.gov/vets/ to download the video. RealPlayer is required.

Reports Released on Bibliographic Record Production

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:07:55 GMT

The Library of Congress is releasing today the results of its analysis of the creation and distribution of bibliographic data in U.S. and Canadian libraries.

Young Readers Center Opens

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:51:12 GMT

The Library of Congress, for the first time in its history, has a space devoted to the reading interests of children and teens in its historic Thomas Jefferson Building.

On Oct. 23, Librarian of Congress James H. Billington welcomed a group of young people, parents and others to the new Young Readers Center. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) and her three children and Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.) and his son helped open the new center.

Ft. Meade Facility Wins Award

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:57:02 GMT

The team that managed construction of Modules 3 and 4 and four Cold Storage Rooms at the Library of Congress Ft. Meade High-Density Storage Facility were honored with a national award yesterday in Orlando, Fla., from the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA).

Library's NDIIPP Project Receives Award

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:20:01 GMT

Government Computer News (GCN) has named the Library of Congress National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program (NDIIPP) as one of the top federal information technology projects of 2009. The award was presented during the annual GCN Annual Awards Gala on October 22.

Sanborn Maps Online Checklist

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:52:16 GMT

The Geography and Map Division of the Library of Congress announces the new Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps Online Checklist, which can be accessed directly at www.loc.gov/rr/geogmap/sanborn/. This collection of maps, produced for business purposes, has proven to be a boon to historians.

New PSAs Launched to Promote Reading

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:24:22 GMT

The Library of Congress and the Advertising Council joined today to launch a national public service advertising (PSA) campaign designed to encourage children and adults to become engaged in reading and all other forms of literacy.

Library Studies State Copyright Laws

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:06:22 GMT

The Library of Congress announced today the release of the fifth in a series of landmark studies commissioned by the U. S. Congress and published by the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) that highlight the challenges facing archives, libraries and other cultural institutions specializing in the preservation and public access to historic recorded sound materials. The report examines copyright laws in 10 U.S. states related to sound recordings released before 1972. This is the first in-depth analysis of individual state copyright laws.

Genaro Arriagada Named to Kluge Center

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:51:14 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has named Genaro Arriagada, former ambassador of Chile to the United States, as a Distinguished Visiting Scholar at the Library’s John W. Kluge Center.

David Christian Named to Kluge Center

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:44:23 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has named David Christian, a professor from Australia, as Distinguished Visiting Scholar at the Library’s John W. Kluge Center.

Abdolkarim Soroush Named to Kluge Center

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:44:14 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has named Abdolkarim Soroush—renowned Iranian thinker, philosopher and reformer—as Distinguished Visiting Scholar at the Library’s John W. Kluge Center.

Library Launches Multimedia Website Aimed at Readers

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:04:21 GMT

During the National Book Festival, on Saturday, Sept. 26, the Library of Congress will launch a new multimedia website offering resources from throughout the Library designed to encourage the reading of books and to interest users in learning about the authors and illustrators who create them.

C. Raja Mohan Named Kissinger Scholar

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:03:45 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed C. Raja Mohan, professor of South Asian studies at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, as the Henry Alfred Kissinger Scholar in Foreign Policy and International Relations in the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress.

Baseball is Subject of New Library of Congress Publication

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:19:02 GMT

The Library of Congress, home of the world’s largest baseball-related collection, presents "Baseball Americana: Treasures from the Library of Congress," a lavishly illustrated history of the national pastime. From baseball’s biggest stars to sandlot street urchins, from its most newsworthy stories to Little-League games, the book tells the history of the sport’s hardscrabble origins, rich cultural heritage and uniquely American character.

Herblock's Work is Subject of New Retrospective Volume

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:18:26 GMT

To mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of political cartoonist Herbert Block (Herblock), the Library of Congress and the Herb Block Foundation, in association with W. W. Norton & Company, have published "HERBLOCK: The Life and Works of the Great Political Cartoonist." Written by Haynes Johnson and Harry L. Katz, this richly illustrated volume will delight Herblock fans as well as a new generation of cartoon enthusiasts.

Students Demonstrate WDL Use in Classroom

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:24:57 GMT

The Library of Congress today demonstrated the potential offered by the World Digital Library to enrich the learning of students, both in the classroom and at home, for more than 100 guests in the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building.

2010 Calendars Available at the Library of Congress

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:24:18 GMT

Eight calendars featuring the wide-ranging collections of the Library of Congress have been released for 2010. Produced by the Library of Congress in cooperation with Pomegranate Communications, Universe Publishing or Cavallini & Co., the calendars draw on the Library's collections to illuminate and illustrate different facets of travel, literature, history and film.

FLICC Awards for Federal Librarianship

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:57:10 GMT

AFC Presents New American Memory Collection

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 18:49:32 GMT

The Library of Congress' American Folklife Center debuts a new presentation, "American English-Dialect Recordings: The Center for Applied Linguistics Collection," as part of the Library's American Memory collections website today. The collection can be found at memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/linguistics/.

VHP Spotlights Coast Guard, Merchant Marines

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:58:37 GMT

The Veterans History Project (VHP) at the Library of Congress American Folklife Center spotlights the interviews of United States Coast Guard and Merchant Marine veterans in "They Also Served," a website feature that comprises a dozen first-person accounts of those who went to sea to transport troops, deliver vital supplies, protect our shores, and patrol enemy waters. These one-of-a-kind stories can be found at www.loc.gov/vets/.

U.S. Air Force Photos Acquired

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:57:57 GMT

Master fine-art photographer Nicholas A. Price spent 18 months, from 2005 to 2007, capturing images of the men and women of the U.S. Air Force to tell the story of their pride and dedication, stamina and service. Price took more than 8,000 photographs and painstakingly selected 60 to become the touring exhibition "Cleared Hot! An Exclusive and Personal Photographic Journey into the U.S. Air Force."

Library Brings National Book Festival Direct to Mobile-Phone Users

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:38:15 GMT

The Library of Congress has launched its first-ever mobile campaign to provide National Book Festival-goers with SMS text alerts about the festival, which will be held on the National Mall from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 26. By texting ‘BOOK’ to 61399, mobile-phone users can opt in to receive the latest festival announcements.

Library to Acquire Jack Kemp Papers

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:53:52 GMT

The family of former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Republican congressman, vice presidential candidate and professional football player Jack F. Kemp (1935-2009) has announced its intention to donate his papers to the Library of Congress. The papers are currently on deposit at Pepperdine University.

Roberta I. Shaffer Appointed Law LIbrarian of Congress

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:42:01 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed Roberta I. Shaffer to the position of Law Librarian of Congress.

Short-Term Kislak Fellows Announced

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 19:05:17 GMT

The Library of Congress announces Luisa Elena Alcala and Jennifer Loughmiller-Newman as Short-Term Kislak Fellows at the Library’s John W. Kluge Center, where they will research cultures and history of the Americas.

Zany Serial Story, Website to Launch

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:40:22 GMT

National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Jon Scieszka—the author of "The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales" and the "Time Warp Trio" series—is the first in a chain of celebrated authors writing a serial adventure story for initial exclusive publication on the Library of Congress’ new read.gov website.

2009 Koussevitzky Foundation Commission Winners

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:41:07 GMT

The Serge Koussevitzky Music Foundation in the Library of Congress and the Koussevitzky Music Foundation, Inc., have awarded commissions for new musical works to seven composers. Jointly granting the commissions are the foundations and the performing organizations that will present the newly composed works.

K. Shankar Bajpai Named to Kluge Center

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:03:08 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has named K. Shankar Bajpai—who served as India’s ambassador to Pakistan, China and the United States—as Distinguished Visiting Scholar at the Library’s John W. Kluge Center.

Library of Congress Gives Fay Kanin 100th Living Legend Award

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:37:11 GMT

Fay Kanin's name is legendary in Hollywood, but she has primarily left her mark behind the scenes of the motion picture industry and in the unheralded field of film preservation. Librarian of Congress James H. Billington recently honored Kanin for her 20 years of service to the Library as chair of the Library of Congress National Film Preservation Board (NFPB) with a presentation of the institution's 100th Living Legend Award.

Philip Trager Photo Archive at LC

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:21:09 GMT

Architecture and dance photographer Philip Trager, whose work is now on display at the National Building Museum exhibition "Form and Movement," will be placing his entire ongoing body of work in the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress.

Library of Congress and DuraCloud Launch Pilot Program Using Cloud Technologies to Test Perpetual Access to Digital Content

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:41:23 GMT

How long is long enough for our collective national digital heritage to be available and accessible? The Library of Congress National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program (NDIIPP) and DuraSpace have announced that they will launch a one-year pilot program to test the use of cloud technologies to enable perpetual access to digital content. The pilot will focus on a new cloud-based service, DuraCloud, developed and hosted by the DuraSpace organization. Among the NDIIPP partners participating in the DuraCloud pilot program are the New York Public Library and the Biodiversity Heritage Library.

Library of Congress Celebrates Opening of Modules 3 and 4 and Cold-Storage Rooms at Ft. Meade Facility

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:33:23 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington, in a ribbon-cutting ceremony today with acting Architect of the Capitol Stephen Ayers, celebrated the completion of Modules 3 and 4 and four cold-storage rooms at the Library’s Ft. Meade high-density storage facility in Maryland.

Now in Session: The Library of Congress on iTunes U

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:59:59 GMT

In an ongoing effort to make its digital educational, historical and cultural resources available to web users across a broad spectrum of platforms, the Library of Congress today launched "The Library of Congress on iTunes U."

Cataloging Bulletin Free Online

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:07:36 GMT

The Library of Congress is making available to the worldwide library community free online access to the entire 31 years of the Cataloging Service Bulletin (CSB).

Nabokov Papers Opened for Research

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:35:58 GMT

The papers of Russian poet and novelist Vladimir Vladimirovich Nabokov (1899-1977) are now open to researchers in the Library of Congress Manuscript Division. The collection is of major value to Nabokov scholars as well as to specialists in the areas of Russian and American literary history and translation.

NLS Announces Awards

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:41:59 GMT

The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) at the Library of Congress today presented awards to the Perkins Library for the Blind of Watertown, Mass., and to the Miami-Dade Public Library System’s Talking Books Library Service of Florida.

Swann Fellowships Announced

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:04:48 GMT

The Caroline and Erwin Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon, administered by the Library of Congress, announces fellowship awards to three applicants for the academic year 2009-2010: Yasemin Gencer, Amanda Lahikainen and Jason E. Hill.

Marie Arana at Kluge Center

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:26:25 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has named Marie Arana a distinguished visiting scholar at the John W. Kluge Center, where she is pursuing research on Simón Bolívar, the famed liberator of Latin America from Spain.

Millionth Page Posted in Chronicling America

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:10:51 GMT

The Library of Congress and the National Endowment for the Humanities today marked a major milestone in their partnership to digitize historic U.S. newspapers and make them widely available to the public on the Internet. During an event held at the Newseum, Deanna Marcum, Associate Librarian for Library Services at the Library of Congress, announced that the Chronicling America website (http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/)—a free, national, searchable database of historic American newspaper pages published between 1880 and 1922—recently posted its millionth page.

Sotomayor is Subject of New Web Presentation

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:33:16 GMT

To serve congressional and public requests for resources pertaining to this historic nomination, the Law Library of Congress has developed a web presentation on Sotomayor on its Supreme Court Nominations site at www.loc.gov/law/find/court-nominations.php.

Center for the Book Establishes U.S. Virgin Islands Affiliate

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:06:02 GMT

The Library of Congress and the government of the U.S. Virgin Islands have announced the creation of the Virgin Islands Center for the Book, the first center affiliate in the United States territories. Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. and Center for the Book Director John Y. Cole made the announcement during a National Library Week reception at the Government House in St. Croix.

Preservation Funding Guide

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:51:18 GMT

The Library of Congress and the Foundation Center, building on a partnership established two years ago, have released the second edition of a web-based fundraising guide to help preservationists save millions of at-risk historical and cultural artifacts.

Seventh Annual Recording Registry Announced

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:50:29 GMT

The unforgettable lyrics of a Broadway and movie classic, the historic recital of one of the nation’s greatest contraltos, and the speech that warned of "an iron curtain" descending across the continent have made the list of recordings that have been identified as cultural, artistic and historical treasures to be preserved for future generations. Today, Librarian of Congress James H. Billington named the 25 new additions to the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress as part of its efforts to ensure that the nation’s aural history is not lost or forgotten.

U.S. Copyright Office Adjusts Fees

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 13:44:46 GMT

The U.S. Copyright Office in the Library of Congress is amending its fees for copyright services. Thanks to cost-savings achieved through increased office automation, some fees will remain the same or decrease. Other fees—mostly for services requiring manual labor—will rise.

Library Appoints Junior Fellows Summer Interns

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 13:43:58 GMT

For the fifth year, college students from across the country will participate in the Library’s Junior Fellows Summer Internship. Working under the direction of Library specialists in various divisions, they will explore and increase access to the institution’s unparalleled collections and resources.

VHP Spotlights Disabled Vets in Web Presentation

Wed, 27 May 2009 13:15:00 GMT

The Library of Congress Veterans History Project (VHP), a program of the American Folklife Center, spotlights stories of disabled veterans in "The Unhealed Wounds," a special web presentation accessible at www.loc.gov/vets/. The presentation covers veterans of four wars whose afflictions range from amputated limbs to severe facial trauma to diagnosed cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

National Union Catalog Celebrates 50

Mon, 18 May 2009 13:02:27 GMT

The National Union Catalog of Manuscript Collections (NUCMC), a cooperative cataloging program of the Library of Congress and eligible archival and manuscript repositories located throughout the United States and its territories, celebrates its 50th anniversary in May 2009.

Library of Congress Acquires ASCAP Collection

Fri, 08 May 2009 16:32:29 GMT

The Music Division in the Library of Congress has acquired archival materials from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publisher (ASCAP) Foundation, the not-for-profit arm of the world's largest performing-rights organization, representing more than 275,000 creators.

GLIN Garners Excellence in Government Award

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:26:02 GMT

The Global Legal Information Network (GLIN), a database administered by the Law Library of Congress, was among the "Top Five" projects to receive a 2009 excellence in government award from the Industry Advisory Council (IAC). GLIN was recognized for "excellence in transparency" (openness and accountability).

Letters About Literature Reading-Promotion Program Winners Announced

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 18:52:29 GMT

Letters About Literature, a program that asks young people in grades 4 through 12 to write to an author (living or dead) about how his or her book affected their lives, has announced its 2009 winners.

Library, UNESCO and Partners Launch World Digital Library

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:40:58 GMT

The Library of Congress, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and 32 partner institutions today launched the World Digital Library, a website that features unique cultural materials from libraries and archives from around the world.

Kay Ryan Serves Second Term

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:22:34 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed Kay Ryan to serve a second term as Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry.

World Digital Library Launch Slated

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:51:51 GMT

The Library of Congress, UNESCO and 32 partner institutions on April 21 will launch the World Digital Library, a website that features unique cultural materials from libraries and archives from around the world.

Library Report Examines Digital Copyright of Unpublished Recordings

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:59:58 GMT

The Library announced today the completion of a commissioned report that examines copyright issues associated with unpublished sound recordings. This new report from the Library of Congress and the Council on Library and Information Resources addresses the question of what libraries and archives are legally empowered to do, under current laws, to preserve and make accessible for research their holdings of unpublished sound recordings made before 1972.

Library of Congress in New Media Initiatives

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:33:04 GMT

The Library of Congress will begin sharing content from its vast video and audio collections on the YouTube and Apple iTunes web services as part of a continuing initiative to make its incomparable treasures more widely accessible to a broad audience. The new Library of Congress channels on each of the popular services will launch within the next few weeks.

John Hope Franklin, 1915-2009

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:13:53 GMT

Civil rights historian and Kluge Prize recipient John Hope Franklin has died.

Archie Green, 1917-2009

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:15:53 GMT

Archie Green, prominent scholar of labor-related folklore and champion of the American Folklife Center, has died.

"World War II: 365 Days" Is Published

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:09:36 GMT

"Dec. 7, 1941," President Franklin Delano Roosevelt told Congress and the nation, was "a date which will live in infamy." The phrase has become shorthand for Japan's attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, which triggered the nation's involvement in World War II. That date -- and many others in the World War II era -- are featured in a new book titled "World War II: 365 Days" by Margaret E. Wagner, which has been published by Harry N. Abrams Inc. in association with the Library of Congress.

Library Acquires Abstract Prints

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:25:07 GMT

The Library of Congress has acquired an exceptional collection of American Abstract Expressionist prints from the 1940s to 1960s, now available through the Library’s Prints and Photographs Division.

Florence Tan Moeson Fellows Appointed

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 18:59:03 GMT

The Library has announced the recipients of the 2009 Florence Tan Moeson Fellowship. Under this program, seven scholars will have the opportunity to conduct research using the Library’s Asian collections.

Nominations Sought for Scholar to Deliver Kellogg Lecture

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:37:14 GMT

The Library of Congress seeks nominations for scholar to give the inaugural lecture for the Frederic R. and Molly S. Kellogg Biennial Lecture on International Jurisprudence at the Library of Congress. The lecture, to be held at the Library of Congress, is planned for Oct. 30, 2009.

Chair of Modern Culture Named

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:12:11 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has named Emiko Ohnuki-Tierney, an anthropology professor at the University of Wisconsin, to the John W. Kluge Center’s Chair of Modern Culture.

Stevie Wonder To Premiere Commissioned Work at Library of Congress Feb. 23

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 21:21:17 GMT

Singer/songwriter Stevie Wonder, the awardee of the second Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, will premiere a special musical work he has written on commission for the Library of Congress on Monday, Feb. 23.

Library Offers Junior Fellows Summer Internships

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 18:01:59 GMT

This summer the Library of Congress, home of the U.S. Copyright Office, is once again offering special 10-week, paid internships to college students.

President Obama Gives Gershwin Prize for Popular Song to Stevie Wonder Feb. 25

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 13:48:07 GMT

President Barack Obama will give the Second Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song to Stevie Wonder on Feb. 25 at a special concert in the East Room of the White House. The program will air on PBS stations nationwide on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009, at 8 p.m. ET.

Veterans Project Recounts Drama of Helicopters, Crews

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 13:46:43 GMT

For nearly 60 years, helicopters have played an increasingly important role in American combat operations. The Library of Congress Veterans History Project spotlights stories of skill and heroism in "Helicopters: The Multi-Mission Aircraft," a special Web presentation.

Interpretive Programs Officer Appointed

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:31:51 GMT

William "Jake"Jacobs has been appointed chief of the Interpretive Programs Office (Interpretive Programs Officer).

2009 Witter Bynner Fellows

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:43:17 GMT

Poet Laureate Kay Ryan has chosen two gifted voices in poetry, Christina Davis and Mary Szybist, for the 2009 Witter Bynner Fellowships, and will introduce the poets on Feb. 26 at the Library of Congress.

Jeffrey Alexander To Kluge Center

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has named Jeffrey C. Alexander, the Lillian Chavenson Saden Professor of Sociology at Yale University, as a Distinguished Visiting Scholar at the Library’s John W. Kluge Center.

Book on Slavery, Civil War, Aimed at Young People

"Traveling the Freedom Road: From Slavery and the Civil War Through Reconstruction" by Linda B. Osborne has been published by the Library of Congress and Harry N. Abrams Inc. The book draws on interviews in the Library of Congress collections with former slaves to convey the aspirations, sorrows, courage and hopes of ordinary people living through this period.

Library Commissions Bibliographic Study

The Library of Congress today announced the next phase of its investigation into the creation and distribution of bibliographic data in U.S. and Canadian libraries. The Library has commissioned a study to research and describe the current marketplace for cataloging records in the MARC format, with primary focus on the economics of current practices, including existing incentives and barriers to both contribution and availability.

Library Receives Grant For Map Cataloging

The Library of Congress has received a Cataloging Hidden Special Collections and Archives grant from the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) to support a project that will catalog 125,000 sheet maps of Africa.

25,000th Digitized Book

The Library of Congress will digitally scan "The Heroic Life of Abraham Lincoln: The Great Emancipator" as the 25,000th book in its "Digitizing American Imprints" program, which scans aging "brittle" books often too fragile to serve to researchers.

New Lincoln Book Is Published

From more than 2,000 pieces in its Lincoln document collection, the Library of Congress has selected 40 manuscripts to feature in a new book titled "In Lincoln’s Hand: His Original Manuscripts With Commentary by Distinguished Americans."

Guide on Presidential Food

Alison Kelly, a reference librarian in the Science, Technology and Business Division (ST&B) at the Library of Congress, has compiled "Presidential Food: Selected Resource Guide" for reporters, culinary historians and the interested public to use during the inauguration and early days of the new presidency.

Book of Library Photographs Reprinted

"Library: The Drama Within," with photographs by Diane Asséo Griliches and a new introduction by John Y. Cole, the director of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, has just been reprinted in an edition published by Bunker Hill Publishing.

25 Films Named to National Film Registry

ibrarian of Congress James H. Billington today named 25 important motion pictures--classics and genres from every era of American filmmaking--to the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress, including "The Asphalt Jungle," "Deliverance," "A Face in the Crowd," "The Invisible Man," "Sergeant York" and "The Terminator."

President-Elect Obama To Take Oath of Office on Lincoln-Inaugural Bible from Library of Congress

President-elect Barack Obama on Jan. 20, 2009, will take the oath of office on a Bible from the Library of Congressâ collections that is steeped in history â the same Bible upon which Abraham Lincoln swore March 4, 1861, to uphold the Constitution.

Sermons and Orations Relating to 2009 Presidential Inauguration Sought

On Jan. 20, 2009, the United States will inaugurate Barack Obama, the country’s first African-American president. In anticipation of citizens’ efforts to mark this historic time around the country, the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress will be collecting audio and video recordings of sermons and orations that comment on the significance of the inauguration of 2009.

Pallante New Associate Register of Copyrights

Register of Copyrights Marybeth Peters has named Maria A. Pallante to the position of Associate Register for Policy and International Affairs, effective December 21, 2008. Pallante brings extensive experience to the position, having worked as a copyright lawyer for more than 18 years in Washington, D.C. and New York City, in both the public and private sectors. She succeeds David O. Carson, who will return to his former position as general counsel of the office.

Library Announces Holiday Hours

The following is the holiday operational schedule, including closures, for the public for the Library of Congress through January 2009.

2008 Kluge Prize Recipients Named

Peter Robert Lamont Brown and Romila Thapar will receive the 2008 Kluge Prize for Lifetime Achievement in the Study of Humanity in a ceremony Dec. 10 at the Library of Congress. They are the sixth and seventh recipients since the Prizeâs 2003 inception.

GLIN Database Offers New Features

A new version of the Web-accessible Global Legal Information Network (GLIN) was released on Nov. 24, 2008, offering users three new features.

2008 Kluge Prize Recipients Named

Poet and Poem 2009 Series

U.S. Poet Laureate Kay Ryan and 30 other noted poets will be featured in the 2009 season of "The Poet and the Poem from the Library of Congress." The radio series is available to all public radio stations via the Public Radio Satellite System’s ContentDepot.

Library Adds New Features for Visitors, Extends Hours

Beginning Dec. 11, a series of innovative features at the Library of Congress will greet visitors, seamlessly integrating the onsite experience in the Thomas Jefferson Building with the Library’s online experience, all part of the new "Library of Congress Experience," which launched this past spring.

Library of Congress, National Library of China Sign World Digital Library Agreement

The Library of Congress and the National Library of China have concluded an agreement to cooperate in developing the World Digital Library.

Library Merges Acquisition, Cataloging Functions

As result of the latest reorganization at the Library of Congress, a book acquired as a copyright deposit, purchase, gift or an exchange will go to one division instead of several for centralized processing—the ordering, cataloging, shelflisting, barcoding and other activities that enable users to find one particular book among more than 23.3 million unique titles in printed formats (plus another 8.9 million that are duplicate copies) held at the Library.

New Chiefs Named in Library Reorganization

As part of an internal reorganization at the Library of Congress, three new chiefs have been named in newly-created divisions within the Acquisitions and Bibliographic Access (ABA) directorate, according to Beacher Wiggins, director of ABA in Library Services.

Library Receives Howard Ashman Papers

The Music Division of the Library of Congress has acquired the papers of noted stage and film lyricist Howard Ashman. Ashman is best remembered as the lyricist (collaborating with composer Alan Menken) for the stage musical "Little Shop of Horror" and the Disney animated film musicals "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast" and "Aladdin."

Library's Historic Recordings on NPR

Historic recordings named by the Library of Congress to the National Recording Registry will be featured in a five-part series on NPR’s "All Things Considered," beginning Sunday, Nov. 9, at 5 p.m. (EST). This is the third consecutive year that the national radio network has broadcast a series showcasing selections to the registry that were targeted for preservation because they were "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant."

VHP Spotlights 92nd Infantry Division

The Library of Congress Veterans History Project (VHP), a program of the American Folklife Center, commemorates Veterans Day on Nov. 11 and National Veterans Awareness Week, Nov. 9-15, with a special Web presentation at www.loc.gov/vets featuring the firsthand recollections of soldiers from the 92nd Infantry Division of World War II.

Letters About Literature Submissions

The postmark entry deadline for Letters About Literature (LAL), a nationwide writing contest that celebrates the relationship between young readers and authors, is Dec. 6. Sponsored by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress in association with Target, LAL invites students on three competition levels (elementary, middle school and secondary) to write a personal letter to an author explaining how his or her work somehow changed the reader’s view of the world or of himself or herself.

2009 Calendars and Cards Feature Library Collections

Four calendars and three sets of Knowledge Cards featuring the wide-ranging collections of the Library of Congress have been released for 2009.

Science, Technology & Business Chief Appointed

Ronald Bluestone has been appointed chief of the Library’s Science, Technology and Business Division.

VHP Celebrates Veterans Awareness Week

The Veterans History Project (VHP) at the Library of Congress American Folklife Center issues a challenge for Americans to interview veterans from their families or communities during National Veterans Awareness Week, Nov. 9-15, and throughout the year. Interview guidelines are available online at www.loc.gov/vets.

Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibit Opens Feb. 12, 2009

"With Malice Toward None: The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibition" opens at the Library of Congress on Feb. 12, 2009, in celebration of the 200th birthday of America’s 16th president, offering the public the opportunity to view rarely seen treasures from the Library’s collections.

Library of Congress Announces New Asian Division Chief

Peter R. Young, director of the National Agricultural Library (NAL) since 2002, has been appointed chief of the Asian Division of the Library of Congress.

Library of Congress Appoints Chief of the Federal Research Division

David Osborne has been appointed chief of the Library’s Federal Research Division (FRD).

Jefferson's Draft Declaration on View for Nine More Days

After being on display since last April, a major treasure of the Library of Congress—Thomas Jefferson’s handwritten draft of the Declaration of Independence, with edits by his fellow founding fathers John Adams and Benjamin Franklin—will be taken off display in the Library’s "Creating the United States" Exhibition in the Thomas Jefferson Building after Oct. 29, 2008 in accordance with document-preservation guidelines. It is not expected to return to public display for several years.

Teachers Tapped for National Panel

The Library of Congress has assembled a group of teachers and experts from all areas of the country and grade levels in an effort to develop a new professional-development curriculum for K-12 educators. The Library's Educational Outreach division convened the first meeting of this national review committee in October in Washington, D.C.

"National Treasures, Local Treasures" Travels to Denver

"National Treasures, Local Treasures: The Library of Congress at Your Fingertips," an educational program that brings the riches of the Library to selected cities across the country, will make its second stop at the Denver Central Library on Monday, Oct. 27, from 6-8 p.m. The library is located at 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway.

Swann Fellowship Applications

The Caroline and Erwin Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon, administered by the Library of Congress, is accepting applications for its graduate fellowship for the 2009-2010 academic year. Applications are due by close of business on Friday, Feb. 13, 2009, and notification will occur in the spring.

Federal Agencies Collaborate on Guidelines for Digitization

The Library of Congress is among a dozen federal agencies launching an initiative to establish a common set of guidelines for digitizing historical materials. Basing its efforts on a combination of collaborative research and combined experience, the Federal Agencies Digitization Guidelines Initiative will address a variety of issues related to the complex activities involved in the digitization of cultural heritage items.

Two working groups have been formed, one addressing content that can be captured in still images, the other involved with content categorizing sound, video, or motion-picture film. The initiative includes a just-launched Web site, www.digitizationguidelines.gov.

Architect Eero Saarinen Subject of New Book

Published by the Library of Congress and W.W. Norton & Company, "Eero Saarinen: Buildings from the Balthazar Korab Archive," edited by David G. De Long and C. Ford Peatross, illustrates 19 of Saarinen’s commissioned designs in nearly 800 photographs drawn from Korab’s archive.

Center for the Book, Read It LOUD! Form Partnership

The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress and the Read It LOUD! Foundation have formed a partnership to encourage parents and other caregivers to read to their children daily. The goal of the partnership is to inspire 5 million parents and caregivers to read daily to their children by 2014.

Library Seeks Nominations for National Recording Registry

The Librarian of Congress, James H. Billington, is seeking nominations once again from the public of recordings that are "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant" for this year’s consideration. The recordings must be at least 10 years old. The deadline for submissions is Oct. 31.

Andre Kostelanetz Papers Donated to Library of Congress

Papers of conductor and arranger André Kostelanetz are being donated to the Library of Congress by the musician’s estate, marking a significant expansion of the collection Kostelanetz provided to the Library during his lifetime. Kostelanetz, who died in 1980, was a major figure in U.S. popular music and on radio for half a century.

Hundreds of Volunteers Support Book Festival

The 2008 National Book Festival, organized and sponsored by the Library of Congress and hosted by First Lady Laura Bush, will be supported by the volunteer efforts of hundreds of Junior League of Washington members as an estimated 120,000 book-lovers flock to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27. The festival, which is free and open to the public, will be held on the Mall between 3rd and 7th streets, rain or shine.

Library of Congress Buildings Subject of New Publication

"On These Walls: Inscriptions and Quotations of the Library of Congress," by John Y. Cole, has just been republished in a revised edition with more than 100 full-color illustrations by noted photographer Carol M. Highsmith.

Library Announces New Chief of the NAVCC Packard Campus

The Library of Congress has appointed Patrick Loughney as the chief of the Packard Campus of the National Audio-Visual Conservation Center, in Culpeper, Va. Loughney will oversee the state-of-the-art facility where the Library of Congress acquires, preserves and provides access to the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of movies, television programs, radio broadcasts and sound recordings.

"Fields of Vision" Features 20th-Century Photographers

Selected images from the works of FSA-OWI photographers Russell Lee (1903-1987), Ben Shahn (1898-1969) and Marion Post Wolcott (1910-1990) are now featured in the first of three volumes in a new Library of Congress series titled "Fields of Vision." Edited by Amy Pastan, an independent editor formerly with the National Gallery of Art, each volume in the series includes an introduction to the work of the featured FSA photographer by a leading contemporary author or writer.

"National Treasures, Local Treasures" Makes First Stop At Broward County Library

"National Treasures, Local Treasures: The Library of Congress at Your Fingertips," an educational program that brings the riches of the Library to selected cities across the country, will make its debut at the Broward County Public Library on Friday, Sept. 19, at 10:30 a.m. The Main Library is at 100 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Laura, Jenna Bush At National Book Festival

First Lady Laura Bush and her daughter, Jenna Bush, co-authors of the book "Read All About It!" will join the authors and special guests presenting at the 2008 National Book Festival, organized and sponsored by the Library of Congress and Mrs. Bush. The festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, rain or shine, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., between 3rd and 7th streets. The festival is free and open to the public.

VHP Honors Hispanic Americans

The Library of Congress Veterans History Project (VHP), a program of the American Folklife Center, will commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15) with a special Web presentation profiling American veterans of Hispanic descent. Twelve fully digitized collections have been added to the "Experiencing War" Web series. Learn more at www.loc.gov/vets/.

Stevie Wonder Receives Library of Congress Gershwin Prize

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington today named singer/songwriter Stevie Wonder—who burst on the scene in the early 1960s as a musical prodigy, and whose dance hits and love songs segued over the years into thoughtful commentaries on the joy and injustice in our world—as the recipient of the Second Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. The award presentation will take place in the Great Hall of the Library on Feb. 23, 2009.

"Learning From Katrina" Web Page

Today marks the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s devastating impact to New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. In commemoration, and in light of the current hurricane season, the Library of Congress announces a Web site titled "Learning from Katrina," which provides insights for better responses to record and artifact damage by hurricanes.

Book of Secrets on Display

Shortly following the release of "National Treasure: Book of Secrets," millions of moviegoers might have left theaters around the world believing that the Library of Congress, the world’s largest library, was home to a book that holds all of the U.S. presidents’ secrets from alien autopsies to the truth about the JFK assassination, as well as the location of buried treasure. That was fiction, but the real story and the "reel" story merge a little when the "Book of Secrets" movie prop and a bonus feature about the Library and its formidable collections went on display this summer in the South Orientation Gallery on the first floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building. Visitors to the Jefferson will have an opportunity to see the display through Sept. 27.

Library Partnership Preserves End-of-Term Government Web Sites

The Library of Congress, the California Digital Library, the University of North Texas Libraries, the Internet Archive and the U.S. Government Printing Office today announced a collaborative project to preserve public United States Government web sites at the end of the current presidential administration ending January 19, 2009. This harvest is intended to document federal agencies' online archive during the transition of government and to enhance the existing collections of the five partner institutions.

Library of Congress Launches "E-Giving" Site For Donations

While the Library of Congress relies upon congressional appropriations to carry out its missions, much of its work also depends on the generosity of the private sector: individuals, corporations and foundations.

It is now much easier to support the de facto national library through financial donations with the launch of the Library’s new "e-Giving" Web site at www.loc.gov/donate/.

Library of Congress Seeks Volunteer Docents

Each year the Library of Congress receives more than 1 million visitors eager to view the magnificent Thomas Jefferson Building in Washington, D.C., and to learn about the treasures it contains. In April 2008, the Library inaugurated its new Library of Congress Experience featuring three new exhibitions and interactive displays for visitors. In December 2008, the tunnel from the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center to the Library will open. These developments are expected to bring even more visitors to the Library.

To address this growth, beginning on Tuesday, Sept. 2, the Library's Visitor Services Office is offering a 16 week training program for volunteer docents who will gain the skills necessary to lead tours of the Library's historic Thomas Jefferson building.

VHP Commemorates Armed Forces Integration

The Library of Congress Veterans History Project (VHP), a program of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center, is commemorating the 60th anniversary of the historic integration of the United States armed forces on July 26.

Kay Ryan Named Poet Laureate

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington today announced the appointment of Kay Ryan as the Library’s 16th Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry for 2008-2009.

Library, NARA Form World Digital Library Partnership

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington and Archivist of the United States Allen Weinstein announced today that the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) will became a founding partner in the World Digital Library (WDL).

Copyright Office Releases Section 109 Report

After more than a year of intensive study, the U.S. Copyright Office issued its report on whether to maintain, modify or eliminate Sections 111, 119 and 122 of the Copyright Act. It will serve as the basis for discussion for possible changes to the statutory licenses.

Swann Awards for 2008-2009

The Caroline and Erwin Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon, administered by the Library of Congress, announces the awarding of academic grants to five applicants for the 2008-2009 Swann Fellowship: Marie-Stéphanie Delamaire, Mazie Harris, Jared Richman, Christina Smylitopoulos and Veronica White.

Law Library of Congress Brochure Wins Award

The American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) has named the Law Library of Congress the winner of the 2008 AALL/Thomson West Excellence in Marketing Award in the Best Brochure category.

Copyright Office Launches New Technology

Handling about 550,000 copyright claims annually, the U.S. Copyright Office in the Library of Congress is making it much easier for the public to register and protect its collective creativity. On July 1, the Copyright Office will enter the next phase in the implementation of its multi-year business process re-engineering effort to modernize operations from a paper-based to a Web-based processing environment.

Library Hires Preservation Research Scientists

To meet the challenges of preserving traditional and new media, the Library of Congress has hired four preservation research scientists as part of a multi-faceted preservation research initiative. Housed in the Preservation Research and Testing Division of the Library’s Preservation Directorate, the initiative will include the opening later this year of two "green" energy-efficient laboratories—a chemical and mechanical properties laboratory and an optical properties laboratory. The initiative will also include a new center to safeguard and make accessible the Library’s rare and valuable preservation science reference collection.

Library Appoints 50 Junior Fellows Summer Interns

This summer, 50 college students from across the country will reprise the annual "treasure hunt" as participants in the Library of Congress' 2008 Junior Fellows Summer Internship program.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Named Network Library of Year

The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (Carnegie LBPH) has been named the 2007 Network Library of the Year by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) in the Library of Congress.

Letters About Literature Winners Announced

One hundred fifty young readers across the country were honored with state and national awards for their achievements in this year’s Letters About Literature (LAL) writing contest, sponsored by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.

Three State Centers for the Book Recognized For Innovative Reading-Promotion Efforts

Center for the Book Director John Y. Cole has announced that affiliated state centers for the book from Kansas, Ohio and Rhode Island are the 2008 winners of the Boorstin Award for innovative reading-promotion efforts.

VHP Observes Memorial Day 2008

he Veterans History Project (VHP) of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center plans several activities and events for Memorial Day 2008, including the Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. in support of the White House Commission on Remembrance.

"Public Markets" is Published

Published by the Library of Congress and W.W. Norton & Company, "Public Markets" by Helen Tangires is a richly illustrated compendium of the wide variety of architectural structures devoted to the urban marketplace. Designers, urban planners and those intrigued by the intersection of history, commerce and architecture will find "Public Markets" to be a singular resource on the subject.

2007 National Recording Registry Announced

What our president said to the nation, what the nation said to the universe, and a cornucopia of musical milestones highlight the major themes of the 2007 National Recording Registry. Librarian of Congress James H. Billington today named 25 additions to the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress as part of its efforts to preserve the nation’s aural history.

Library Receives Charles Strouse's Papers

Celebrated American composer Charles Strouse presented his papers to the Library of Congress in a private ceremony today. Librarian of Congress James H. Billington formally accepted the gift on behalf of the Library and the American people and honored Strouse, perhaps best known for such musical-theater smashes as "Annie," "Bye Bye Birdie," "Applause" and "Golden Boy."

VHP Spotlights Stories of Jewish American Vets of WWII

The Library of Congress Veterans History Project (VHP), a program of the American Folklife Center, commemorates Jewish American Heritage Month with a special series of 10 first-hand stories of Jewish Veterans of World War II. The web presentation is available at www.jewishheritage.gov/.

Veterans History Project Commemorates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

The Library of Congress Veterans History Project, a program of the American Folklife Center, features the first-hand recollections of eight war veterans in "Going for Broke," a Web feature that commemorates Asian Pacific American Heritage month. The presentation can be found online at www.loc.gov/topics/asianpacific/.

Library Receives Original Spider-Man Story

In a deed of superheroic proportions, an anonymous donor has given the Library of Congress the original artwork by Steve Ditko for Marvel Comics' "Amazing Fantasy #15" -- the comic book that introduced Spider-Man in August 1962.

Library Opens Main Reading Room to 16-Year-Old Researchers

The Library of Congress today announced that the minimum age for use of the Main Reading Room to access the Library’s physical collections for research purposes has been lowered to 16. The previous requirement was that researchers be above high school age.

American Choral Music Web Site Launched

In collaboration with the American Choral Directors Association, the Library of Congress Music Division has launched a Web site as part of its online Performing Arts Encyclopedia, called "American Choral Music, 1870-1923." The site is available at http://memory.loc.gov/diglib/ihas/html/choralmusic/.

Winners of 2008 Bobbitt Poetry Prize

The distinguished Rebekah Johnson Bobbitt National Prize for Poetry, created 20 years ago, will be awarded to two poets who teach at universities in Virginia: Bob Hicok of Virginia Tech and Charles Wright of the University of Virginia.

Library and Kaust in Digital Partnership

The Library of Congress and the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) today announced a partnership in the history of science in the Arab and Islamic worlds. The Library and KAUST will jointly convene an international advisory committee of leading scholars and curators to map out a strategy for identifying, selecting, digitizing, cataloging, annotating, and promoting scholarly research about manuscripts and other rare and unique materials relating to science in the Arab and Islamic worlds, and for including these materials in the World Digital Library (WDL) and other digital library projects.

Library of Congress, History Channel Partnership

The Library of Congress and History™ have joined forces to create a multimedia partnership to showcase the Library’s collections to the vast audience of the History brands including the History channel, history.com and other television properties. The partnership will also bring historical content to more than 200,000 teachers across the country that use the channel’s branded educational materials in their classrooms.

Seven Living Legends Chosen, Library Experience Opens

The Library of Congress will honor seven new "Living Legends" as part of its public celebration on Saturday, April 12, at the Thomas Jefferson Building (10 First St. SE, Washington, D.C., 20540). The ceremony will help mark the opening of the "Library of Congress Experience," which offers visitors the opportunity to explore rare historical and cultural treasures through interactive technology and a companion Web site. Detailed information on the Experience can be found at www.loc.gov/experience/.

Library of Congress Experience Sneak Preview

Check out the Library of Congress Blog for a preview video, also posted on YouTube, of the new Library of Congress Experience.

Study Group Issues Report Recommending Changes in Copyright Law to Reflect Digital Technologies

After nearly three years of intensive work, the independent Section 108 Study Group has issued its report and recommendations on exceptions to copyright law to address how libraries, archives and museums deal with copyrighted materials in fulfilling their missions in the digital environment. The report is available at www.section108.gov. Section 108 is the section of the Copyright Act that provides limited exceptions for libraries and archives so that they may make copies to replace copyrighted works in their collections when necessary, preserve them for the long term and make them available to users.

Karamah Joins the Global Legal Information Network

Karamah: Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization, has become an associate member of the Global Legal Information Network (GLIN), a cooperative international legal database administered by the Law Library of Congress.

Library Launches Historic Baseball Resources Site

America’s Library salutes America’s favorite pastime with the launch of a new resource page: www.loc.gov/topics/baseball/. Highlighted are select Library resources on the popular sport, including player profiles, historical news and events, collection guides and presentations and more.

Thomas Jefferson Building Special Closures April 3 - 11

The Great Hall, exhibitions and Sales Shop in the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress will be closed from Thursday, April 3 through Friday, April 11 in preparation for the opening of a new Library of Congress Experience for visitors. Ceremonies to celebrate the debut of the new Library of Congress Experience will begin at 11 a.m. on April 12. The Great Hall and exhibitions will reopen after the noon ribbon cutting.

Library of Congress, Bantam Books Honor Louis L'Amour

Louis L’Amour, one of the most prolific and bestselling writers of all time, has been honored by the Center for the Book at the Library of Congress as its inaugural "Champion of the Book"—a unique designation reserved for those who have made an important contribution to the world of books.

Koussevitzky Foundation Awards Seven Commissions

The Serge Koussevitzky Music Foundation in the Library of Congress and the Koussevitzky Music Foundation, Inc., have awarded commissions for new musical works to seven composers. The foundations and the performing organizations that will present the newly composed works are jointly granting the commissions.

"Library of Congress Experience" Debuts April 12

The Library of Congress–the largest library in the world and the oldest U.S. federal cultural institution–on Saturday, April 12, debuts an immersive, new "Library of Congress Experience," offering visitors unique historical and cultural treasures brought to life through cutting-edge interactive technology and a companion Web site.

Library of Congress To Offer Junior Fellows Summer Internships

This summer the Library of Congress, home of the U.S. Copyright Office, is once again offering special 10-week, paid internships to college students. For a stipend of $3,000, Junior Fellows Summer Interns will work full-time, starting on June 2 and ending on Aug. 8, to help locate and itemize uncataloged materials submitted to the office as part of the copyright registration process. In the past, summer interns have identified hundreds of literary, artistic, film and musical gems among the Library’s copyright deposits and gift collections.

Digital Preservation Program Launches Newsletter

A monthly online newsletter highlighting the important work that the Library of Congress’s digital preservation program is performing to collect and preserve the nation’s heritage in digital form will launch in March.

1507 World Map is Subject of New Book

More than 500 years after its creation, Martin Waldseemüller’s 1507 World Map—the first map to display the name "America"—continues to fascinate cartographers, historians and those interested in the nation’s founding and the mapping of the globe. Acquired by the Library of Congress in 2003 and currently on display in the Thomas Jefferson Building in a sealed, oxygen-free encasement, the map is the subject of a new book, "The Naming of America" by John W. Hessler.

Library Communications System For Deaf Staff

The Library of Congress has become one of the first federal agencies to implement an agency-wide "videophone" system that enables its deaf staff members who use American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate with both hearing and deaf individuals. Using the videophones, deaf staff members can place Video Relay Service (VRS) calls, which are "relayed" through an ASL interpreter at a call center, to hearing individuals. Likewise, using the videophones, deaf individuals can place point-to-point calls with other deaf people who use ASL.

New Email Alerts and RSS Feeds

The Library has added new email alert services and RSS feeds in the following areas: Hours of Operation, Folklife (including News, Events, and Newsletter from the American Folklife Center), Legal Issues (including News, Research, Webcasts, and Global Legal Monitor from the Law Library), and news from Chronicling America, the Historic American Newspaper project.

LOC and IMLS Preservation Outreach

The Preservation Directorate of the Library of Congress has announced that Karen Motylewski from IMLS will serve a one-year detail at the Library as special projects liaison. She will help both agencies advance shared goals for preservation and conservation awareness and action throughout the nation. She will assist the Library in meetings, in training sessions and in developing emergency plans.

Library Receives Book From Window of China Project

The Library of Congress has begun to receive donated books from the National Library of China through the Window of China Project. Founded in 2006, the Window of China Project donates books to national libraries and other institutions around the world.

James Forman Papers Donated to the Library

At a ceremony held today at the Library of Congress, the papers of civil-rights activist James Forman were given to the Library by Forman’s sons James Jr. and Chaka. Their mother, Constancia Romilly, also attended the event.

W.R. Smyser To Kissinger Chair

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed W. R. Smyser, adjunct professor in the BMW Center for German and European Studies, Georgetown University, as the Henry Alfred Kissinger Scholar in Foreign Policy and International Relations in the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress.

Library of Congress-Flickr Pilot Project

Out of some 14 million prints, photographs and other visual materials at the Library of Congress, more than 3,000 photos from two of the institution's most popular collections are being made available on Flickr, a popular photo-sharing site, to include only images for which no copyright restrictions are known to exist.

Three Images of the Crowd at Lincoln's Second Inauguration Discovered at Library of Congress

Details of Abraham Lincoln's second inauguration come into clearer focus with the recent discovery at the Library of Congress of three glass negatives that show the large crowd gathered at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., for the president's address on March 4, 1865.

Library of Congress and Foundation Center Create New Funding Guide for Preserving Historical, Cultural Collections

The Library of Congress and the Foundation Center, in a joint partnership, have recently compiled a new Web-based fundraising guide to help the preservation community save the nation’s millions of at-risk artifacts for future generations.

Library of Congress, Microsoft Announce Agreement to Support New Interactive Experience for Visitors

The Library of Congress and Microsoft Corp. have signed a cooperative agreement that will change the way Library visitors experience history. The joint technology initiative will electronically deliver the Library’s immense collection of historical artifacts to patrons visiting its Thomas Jefferson Building in Washington, D.C., and will allow unparalleled and immersive interactive experiences that will bring the institution’s vast historical collections and exhibits to life–on-site and online–through the upcoming myloc.gov Web site.

Center for the Book Receives Raven Award From Mystery Writers of America

Mystery Writers of America (MWA) has announced that the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress is one of two recipients of its 2008 Raven Award, which honors outstanding achievement in the mystery field outside the realm of creative writing.

Library of Congress Seeks Nominations for the Rebekah Johnson Bobbitt National Poetry Prize

The Library of Congress is accepting nominations from publishers for the $10,000 Rebekah Johnson Bobbitt National Prize for Poetry. The prize will be awarded in April, which is National Poetry Month.

Digital Preservation Program Adds New Partners To Preserve State Government Digital Information

Twenty-one states, working in four multistate demonstration projects, are today joining the Library of Congress’s National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program (NDIIPP) in an initiative to catalyze collaborative efforts to preserve important state government information in digital form.

Jon Scieszka Named National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed children’s book author Jon Scieszka as the first National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. The position was created to raise national awareness of the importance of young people’s literature as it relates to lifelong literacy, education, and the development and betterment of the lives of young people.

Librarian of Congress Announces National Film Registry Selections for 2007

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington today named 25 motion pictures— classics from every era of American filmmaking—to the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress, including "Bullitt," "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," Grand Hotel," "Oklahoma!" and "12 Angry Men."

Poet Laureate Charles Simic and Other Noted Poets to be Featured in "The Poet and the Poem" Radio Series

U.S. Poet Laureate Charles Simic and 19 other noted poets will be featured in the winter 2008 season of "The Poet and the Poem from the Library of Congress." The radio series is available to all public radio stations through Public Radio Satellite Service via National Public Radio distribution.

Library of Congress Publishes Catalog of Items From the Jay I. Kislak Collection of the Early Americas

"Collecting, for me, has always been an adventure, a journey of exploration … Over the years, the path of collecting has led me through wonderful passageways into history and cultures."

So explains Jay I. Kislak in his introductory note to "The Jay I. Kislak Collection at the Library of Congress," a broad introduction to Kislak’s gift to the Library. In 10 richly illustrated chapters, this book examines in detail more than 900 items from the collection that show the extensive range of the collector’s vision.

Images of the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building Added to the Carol M. Highsmith Archive

Distinguished architectural photographer Carol M. Highsmith, who began donating her work to the Prints and Photographs Division at the Library of Congress in 1992, has turned her lens on the Library itself.

In more than 400 color digital images, Highsmith has captured both the artistry and symbolism of the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building, from the floor of the Great Hall to the dome of the Main Reading Room. These images and others can be found online at http://lcweb2.loc.gov/pp/highsmhtml/highsmabt.html.

Library of Congress Makes Grant To Southeastern Louisiana University To Foster Instructional Use of Digital Materials

The Library of Congress today made a grant to Southeastern Louisiana University to join a program designed to encourage the educational use of the Library’s vast collections of online primary source materials.

Working Group on Bibliographic Control Releases Draft Report

The Working Group on the Future of Bibliographic Control has released its draft report on the future of bibliographic description in light of advances in search engine technology, the popularity of the Internet and the influx of electronic information resources.

Library of Congress, Bibliothèque nationale de France, Deutsche Nationalbibliothek and OCLC Enhance VIAF Project

The Library of Congress, the Bibliothèque nationale de France, the Deutsche Nationalbibliothek and OCLC have signed a memorandum of understanding to extend and enhance the Virtual International Authority File (VIAF), a project that virtually combines multiple name authority files into a single name authority service.

Martha Anderson Named Director of Program Management for Digital Preservation Program

Martha Anderson was today named director of program management for the National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program (NDIIPP).

House Passes Bipartisan Resolution to Establish "National Veterans History Project Week"

U.S. Representative Jon Porter (R-NV) has announced that the U.S. House of Representatives passed House Resolution 770, a bipartisan resolution designating the week of November 11 through November 17, 2007 as "National Veterans History Project Week." The special observance mobilizes America to record the oral history of its wartime veterans. Co-sponsors of the resolution include U. S. Representative Ron Kind (D-WI), original sponsor of the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress American Folklife Center, and 23 other members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Veterans History Project Spotlights WWII Stories from China-Burma-India

The Library of Congress Veterans History Project, a program of the American Folklife Center, will feature a special series of narratives from World War II’s China-Burma-India Theater via the project’s Web site www.loc.gov/vets/.

John Philip Sousa, "The March King," Subject of New Web Site

o commemorate the birthday of world-renowned bandleader and composer John Philip Sousa on Nov. 6, 1854, a new Web site dedicated to the composer of "The Stars and Stripes Forever" is now available from the Library of Congress at www.loc.gov/lcp.

Silent Movies Are Subject of New Library Publication

n his new book, "Silent Movies: The Birth of Film and the Triumph of Movie Culture," Peter Kobel has created the definitive visual history of silent film. Published this month by the Library of Congress in association with Little, Brown & Co., this richly illustrated work draws on the Library’s extraordinary collection of posters, paper prints, film stills and memorabilia—most of which has never been in print. More than 400 images capture the birth of film and the rise of such icons as Charlie Chaplin, Greta Garbo, Clara Bow and Rudolph Valentino.

NLS Director Recognized by Braille Institute of America

Frank Kurt Cylke, director of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, received the 2006 Golden Cassette Award for Library Partnership from the Los Angeles-based Braille Institute of America Library Services Inc.

Library of Congress Offers Information on Fire Recovery for Collections

In response to the fires in Southern California and the resulting damage to personal and public collections, the Library of Congress has updated its preservation Web page on emergency care.

Library of Congress Collaborates with Xerox To Test Format for Digitally Preserving, Accessing Treasured Images

As part of the Library of Congress’s mission to ensure that America’s history and heritage are available and accessible for generations to come, the Library and Xerox Corporation are working together on a project to develop better ways to store, preserve and access treasured digital images. The collection includes such images as a panorama of San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake, a photograph of Abraham Lincoln taken four days before he was assassinated and a picture of the Wright brothers’ first flight at Kitty Hawk.

"Concerts from the Library of Congress" Radio Series To Launch on Nov. 5

Beginning in November, the Library of Congress Music Division, WETA-FM and CD Syndications will be launching a 13-week classical music radio series slated for broadcast nationwide. Bill McGlaughlin, creator and host of the Peabody Award-winning program "Saint Paul Sunday Morning," hosts "Concerts from the Library of Congress," which features excerpts from past performances held in the Library’s historic Coolidge Auditorium.

Library of Congress and UNESCO Sign World Digital Library Agreement

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington and UNESCO Assistant Director for Communication and Information Abdul Waheed Khan today signed an agreement at UNESCO headquarters in Paris pledging cooperative efforts to build a World Digital Library Web site.

Library of Congress Partners with British, Canadian and Australian National Libraries on RDA Implementation

Four national libraries have joined forces to implement a new standard for resource description and access designed for the digital environment in which libraries now operate. The Library of Congress, the British Library, Library and Archives Canada, and the National Library of Australia have agreed on a coordinated implementation of "RDA: Resource Description and Access," the successor to the "Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules."

New Guide to Library's Air and Space Collections Is Published

The possibility of flight captured human imagination long before the Montgolfier brothers’ unmanned hot air balloon succeeded in carrying a duck, a rooster and a sheep above the city of Versailles in 1783. Before and after that date, people sketched, painted, photographed, sang about and described in words the ways a human being might fly like a bird. Each time someone achieved an advance in flight, the world took note. The record of these advances is described in "Aeronautical and Astronautical Resources of the Library of Congress: A Comprehensive Guide" by Ronald S. Wilkinson, John F. Buydos and others.

Library of Congress Display of Tibetan Items to Mark Dalai Lama's Receipt of Congressional Medal

The Congressional Gold Medal -- the nation’s highest civilian honor -- will be presented to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet on Oct. 17. In honor of the occasion, the Library of Congress will present "Celebrating Tibet," a special display of Tibetan items.

Library of Congress Receives Collection of Oral Histories from Prominent African Americans

The National Visionary Leadership Project (NVLP) has donated more than 200 original videotaped interviews from prominent African Americans to the Library of Congress. These oral histories, housed in the American Folklife Center, are the seed of what will be an open collection that will grow in the coming years.

Veterans History Project Web Site Enhances Experience of "The War"

The Library of Congress Veterans History Project, a program of the American Folklife Center, has produced a companion Web site for the PBS series "The War," by Ken Burns.

Library of Congress's National Book Festival Attracts More Than 120,000 Book Lovers To the National Mall

Today, more than 120,000 book lovers gathered on the National Mall for the seventh annual National Book Festival, organized and sponsored by the Library of Congress and hosted by Mrs. Laura Bush. Festival-goers were entertained by their favorite authors, illustrators and poets as they celebrated creativity and imagination among 11 standing-room-only pavilions including Children; Teens & Children; Fiction & Fantasy; Mysteries & Thrillers; History & Biography; Home & Family; and Poetry. For those who were unable to attend the festival or missed a pavilion, the authors’ presentation are available as webcasts on the festival homepage (www.loc.gov/bookfest).

World War II Is Subject of New Library Publication

A unique addition to World War II scholarship, "The Library of Congress World War II Companion," by Margaret E Wagner, Linda Barrett Osborne and Susan Reyburn, has been published in association with Simon & Schuster. Edited and with an introduction by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David M. Kennedy, this comprehensive, one-volume, fact- and quote-filled resource documents the harrowing years from 1937 through 1945, when totalitarianism threatened to engulf the world.

Center for the Book Announces 2007-2008 Letters About Literature Reading Promotion Program

The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, in partnership with Target Stores, invites readers in grades 4 through 12 to enter its Letters About Literature reading and writing competition for children and young adults. To enter, readers write a personal letter to an author, explaining how his or her work changed their view of the world or themselves. Young readers may select authors from any genre—fiction or nonfiction, contemporary or classic.

Library's Map Treasures Are Highlighted in "Cartographia"

Drawn from the world’s largest cartographic collection, housed in the Geography and Map Division of the Library of Congress, "Cartographia: Mapping Civilizations," by Vincent Virga, has been published by the Library in association with Little, Brown and Company.

Swann Foundation Accepting Fellowship Applications

The Caroline and Erwin Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon, administered by the Library of Congress, is accepting applications for its graduate fellowship for the 2008-2009 academic year. Applications are due by close of business on Friday, Feb. 15, 2008, and notification will occur in the spring.

William F. May Appointed to Maguire Chair in American History at the John W. Kluge Center

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed William F. May to the Cary and Ann Maguire Chair in American History and Ethics at the John W. Kluge Center for a three-month tenure from September to December.

Statement by the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center

Recent media coverage has portrayed veterans who have donated interviews to the Veterans History Project (VHP) at the Library of Congress American Folklife Center as having made "fraudulent" claims regarding the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Jefferson Building Special Closures, Sept. 14 and Sept. 28

Public access to the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress will be limited on two dates in September.

Library of Congress Launches New Literacy Campaign, Public Outreach Features on Web Site

As a prelude to its annual National Book Festival in Washington on Sept. 29, the Library of Congress today launched a series of public outreach initiatives designed to promote the joy of reading and to better share the Library's programs and collections with the public.

Eric Hansen Named Chief of Preservation Research and Testing Division

Eric Hansen has been named chief of the Preservation Research and Testing Division at the Library of Congress. He is scheduled to start on Sept. 17.

Library of Congress Partners with WWOZ-FM and Grammy Foundation® To Preserve Legendary Musical Recordings

WWOZ-FM, the legendary community-supported radio station in New Orleans, has gifted the Library of Congress with more than 7,000 hours of live jazz and blues recordings spanning 15 years. The contribution, which comes after Hurricane Katrinaâs floodwaters nearly destroyed the stationâs primary tape storage facility, will ensure the safety of the stationâs collection of historic recordings. In support of this remarkable gift, the GRAMMY FoundationÂ® has awarded WWOZ $45,000 in grants toward the preservation of the collection.

Library of Congress Seeks Volunteer Docents

Each year the Library of Congress receives more than 1 million visitors eager to view the magnificent Thomas Jefferson Building in Washington, D.C., and to learn about the treasures it contains. Led by staff and a cadre of volunteer docents, the number of tours is expected to increase when the Library debuts its new interactive experience for visitors in April 2008 and the tunnel from the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center to the Library is later completed.

"West Side Story: Birth of a Classic" Opens on Sept. 26

Fifty years ago, on September 26, 1957, "West Side Story" opened on Broadway. The show went on to become a landmark musical in a league with works such as "Show Boat" and "Oklahoma!" The Library of Congress celebrates the golden anniversary of this historic musical with "West Side Story: Birth of a Classic."

Folklorist Archie Green Honored with Living Legend Award

The Library of Congress honored labor folklorist and American Folklife Center founding father Archie Green with its Living Legend medal at a special evening concert on Aug. 16. Accepting on his behalf was his son, Derek Green.

Digital Preservation Program Makes Awards to Preserve American Creative Works

The Library of Congress, through its National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program (NDIIPP), today announced eight partnerships as part of its new Preserving Creative America initiative to address the long-term preservation of creative content in digital form. These partners will target preservation issues across a broad range of creative works, including digital photographs, cartoons, motion pictures, sound recordings and even video games. The work will be conducted by a combination of industry trade associations, private sector companies and nonprofits, as well as cultural heritage institutions.

Library of Congress Acquires Media Pioneer's Collection

The Tony Schwartz Collection will be housed at the Library of Congress Packard Campus for Audio-Visual Conservation (www.loc.gov/avconservation/packard/), which is under the purview of the Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division. A complete compilation of Schwartz’s work from 1947 to 1999, the collection parallels the growth of modern audio technology and the broadcast industry by documenting American life and culture during the latter half of the 20th century.

Center for the Book Publishes Bilingual Volume on Reading Promotion in the U.K., Russia and U.S.

The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, along with the British Council and the Pushkin Library Foundation in Russia, has recently published "Building Nations of Readers: Experience, Ideas, Examples," a handbook on reading promotion. Produced in cooperation with the Section on Reading of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), the illustrated 261-page volume, written in both English and Russian, describes reading promotion and reader development in the United Kingdom, Russia and the United States.

Librarian of Congress Appoints Charles Simic Poet Laureate

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has announced the appointment of Charles Simic to be the Library’s 15th Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry.

Simic will take up his duties in the fall, opening the Library’s annual literary series on Oct. 17 with a reading of his work. He also will be a featured speaker at the Library of Congress National Book Festival in the Poetry pavilion on Saturday, Sept. 29, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

"American Treasures of the Library of Congress" To Close Aug. 18

After 10 years on display, "American Treasures of the Library of Congress," an unprecedented exhibition of rare and unique items in the nation’s library, will close on Aug. 18.

Library Accepts Historic Gift of Packard Campus

Audio-visual conservation work by the Library of Congress is taking a giant leap forward as the Library acquires its new Packard Campus for Audio-Visual Conservation in a signing ceremony this evening.

NLS Director Frank Kurt Cylke Receives Award from the American Council of the Blind

The American Council of the Blind (ACB) presented the Robert S. Bray Award to Frank Kurt Cylke, director of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, on July 4, 2007, during the ACB National Convention in Minneapolis.

New Materials Added to "France in America" Web Site Include Documents From Confederacy, Birth of Civil Rights Movement

The Library of Congress has completed a major expansion of its bilingual "France in America" online presentation with the addition of 247 items from its collections. The presentation, at http://international.loc.gov/intldl/fiahtml/, is one of five bilingual presentations in the Library's Global Gateway Web site (http://international.loc.gov/).

Kay Kaufman Shelemay Appointed To Chair of Modern Culture in the John W. Kluge Center

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed Kay Kaufman Shelemay, an ethnomusicologist from Harvard University, to the Chair of Modern Culture in the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress.

Swann Foundation Announces Two Fellows for 2007-2008

The Caroline and Erwin Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon, administered by the Library of Congress, has selected Ellen Berg and Prudence Peiffer to receive Swann Foundation fellowships for 2007-2008.

Construction Under Way for Encasement of Waldeemüller Map, "Birth Certificate of America"

The only known copy of the 1507 world map by Martin Waldseemüller, the first map to use the name "America," spent nearly 400 years in obscurity in the library of a castle in southern Germany. Rediscovered in 1901 and purchased by the Library of Congress in 2003, this crown jewel of cartography will be secured in a state-of-the-art encasement and placed on permanent display later this year.

Library of Congress Announces Award-Winning Authors To Participate in Seventh Annual National Book Festival

he 2007 National Book Festival, organized and sponsored by the Library of Congress and hosted by Mrs. Laura Bush, will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., between 7th and 14th streets (rain or shine). The festival is free and open to the public.

U.S. Army and Federal Research Division Publish History of Battle Command Training Program

Published by the U.S. Army and co-authored by Priscilla Offenhauer and David L. Osborne of the Library of Congress’s Federal Research Division (FRD), the new "History of the U.S. Army Battle Command Training Program, 1986–2003" explains the development of this program and its role in U.S. military operations over the past two decades. This organizational history of the BCTP also describes the basic components and methodology of the battle simulation, discussing significant changes to the program since its inception.

Visiting Scholar Jenna Weissman Joselit To Study Ten Commandments in American Culture

Jenna Weissman Joselit, a Princeton University professor who was recently appointed Visiting Scholar at the John W. Kluge Center, is studying the variety of cultural forms in which the Ten Commandments appear in American culture.

FLICC Announces Awards for Federal Librarianship

Library of Congress Announces National and State Winners in Letters About Literature Program

The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress and Target Stores have announced the national and state winners in the 2006–2007 Letters About Literature reading and writing program.

Librarian of Congress To Name National Ambassador for Young People's Literature

The Library of Congress has announced the newly created post of National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. Appointed for a two-year term by the Librarian of Congress, the ambassador will speak to the importance of fiction and nonfiction in the lives of young people. Selected for extraordinary contributions to the world of books for children and teens, he or she will encourage the appreciation of young people’s literature throughout the United States by both personal and media appearances.

Laura Campbell Recognized as Laureate by Computerworld Honors Program

Laura E. Campbell, associate librarian for Strategic Initiatives and chief information officer for the Library of Congress, today received the prestigious 2007 EMC Information Leadership Award from the Computerworld Honors Program. The award was presented during the 19th Annual Laureates Medal Ceremony & Gala Awards Evening at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington. For almost two decades, Computerworld Honors has acknowledged those individuals and organizations that have used information technology to benefit society.

Library of Congress Seeks Nominations for the Rebekah Johnson Bobbitt Poetry Prize

The Library of Congress is seeking nominations from publishers for the $10,000 Rebekah Johnson Bobbitt National Prize for Poetry, which will be presented in the fall of 2007.

Five State Centers for the Book Recognized for Innovative Reading Promotion Projects

Affiliated state centers for the book from California, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana and Maine are the 2007 winners of the Boorstin Award for innovative reading promotion projects, announced John Y. Cole, director of the Center for the Book at the Library of Congress.

"The Road to Jerusalem" Is Published

Published by the Library of Congress in association with University of Pennsylvania Press, "The Road to Jerusalem: Pilgrimage and Travel in the Age of Discovery" is a ground-breaking work of scholarship that constructs a historical narrative around the Library’s rich collection of early modern printed books on travel. Author F. Thomas Noonan’s research in this collection sparked this reexamination of an essential component of European history and culture. The text traces the history of early modern pilgrimage to Jerusalem in light of the history of early modern travel in general – travel that was itself renewed and colored by such cultural twists and turns as the Renaissance and the Reformation.

Veterans History Project Honors Vets with "The Great War"

The Veterans History Project, a program of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center, presents "The Great War," a tribute to World War I veterans, in a new section of its Web site at www.loc.gov/vets. Rich in personal detail, photographs, journals and letters, "The Great War" provides a virtual tour of some of the most compelling collections in the Veterans History Project archives and features stories of nearly two dozen men and women who served in WWI.

Gershwin Prize-winner Paul Simon’s Song Notes Added to Music Division Collection

The Library of Congress will receive the works-in-progress manuscript in which Paul Simon worked out the lyrics for his song "Graceland," Librarian of Congress James H. Billington announced upon awarding the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song to Simon during a dinner on May 22 in the Great Hall of the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building.

Library of Congress Receives Guarneri Violin for Collection

More than 50 years after acquiring its first Guarneri del Gesù violin, the Library of Congress will now be able to boast that it has twins. Around 1730 to 1732, Guarneri made two violins from the same piece of wood. The Library’s newest addition, the "Baron Vitta," will donated by the estate of the late Miyoko Yamane Goldberg, wife of the late teacher and violinist Szymon Goldberg. The other violin is the "Kreisler," owned by the late eminent Austrian violinist Fritz Kreisler and given to the Library in 1952.

National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped Makes Room for Digital Talking Books

Marking the end of an era and preparing for the onset of digital talking books, the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, announced that it will no longer require its network libraries to retain copies of books on recorded discs.

Florence Tan Moeson Fellows Appointed

As the Library of Congress observes Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with a variety of events (www.loc.gov/topics/asianpacific), it is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2007 Florence Tan Moeson Fellowship. Under this program, eight scholars will have the opportunity to conduct research using the Library’s Asian collections. Comprising nearly 2.8 million items, the collections are among the most significant outside of Asia.

Koussevitzky Foundation Announces Commission Winners

The Serge Koussevitzky Music Foundation in the Library of Congress and the Koussevitzky Music Foundation, Inc., have awarded commissions for new musical works to five composers. The commissions are being granted jointly by the foundations and the performing organizations that will present the newly composed works.

Veterans History Project Launches Field Kit, Web Resource

To support the recently announced initiative by the Library of Congress, the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and Ken Burns to collect oral histories of America’s World War II veterans, the Library of Congress Veterans History Project has produced new resources to help the public learn about and participate in the effort.

Law Librarian Rubens Medina Receives 2007 Federal 100 Award

Law Librarian of Congress Rubens Medina has received a Federal 100 Award for shepherding the 2006 upgrade of the Global Legal Information Network (GLIN), which gave legal researchers access to nearly 130,000 laws and related legal materials from nations across Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas â searchable in 13 languages.

History of the Hymn "Amazing Grace" Now Online

A new Web site devoted to the history of the hymn "Amazing Grace" documents the song’s origins from the late 1700s to the current century, as well as its more than 3,000 published recordings.

Library of Congress To Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month with Lectures and Web Site

With a national theme of “The American Jewish Experience: Celebrating Religious Pluralism, Cultural Diversity and Commitment to American Civic Culture,” the second annual Jewish American Heritage Month will be celebrated by the Library of Congress with public lectures and a new Web presentation.

Veterans History Project Chronicles Unique Wartime Contributions During Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

The Library of Congress Veterans History Project, a program of the American Folklife Center, will celebrate Asian Pacific American (APA) Heritage Month throughout May. Eight fully digitized collections of Asian Pacific American veterans will be added to the "Experiencing War" Web series on May 1.

Star-Studded Lineup Confirmed for Library of Congress Concert Honoring Gershwin Prize Recipient Paul Simon

A star-studded cast of performers and presenters has been confirmed, with more to come, to pay tribute to Paul Simon as he receives the first annual Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song on Wednesday, May 23 at 8 p.m. at the Warner Theatre located at 1299 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C.

Library of Congress Launches Its First-Ever Blog in Celebration of 207th Birthday

The Library of Congress might be turning 207 years old tomorrow (April 24, 2007), but with the addition of the first-ever public blog to its award-winning Web site, it quite possibly has never looked younger.

Long a pioneer and leading provider of online content, with a Web site at www.loc.gov that makes 22 million digital items available at the click of a mouse and receives 5 billion hits per year, the Library of Congress will launch the blog at www.loc.gov/blog/.

Library of Congress Nominated for Two Webby Awards

The Library of Congress's award-winning Web site at www.loc.gov has been nominated for two prestigious Webby Awards, which are presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences.

Library of Congress To Receive Original Manuscript of Composition by Teen Prodigy Jay Greenberg

The original manuscript of "Quintet for Strings," written by 15-year-old composer Jay Greenberg, will be given to the Library of Congress at an April 27 concert benefiting the Project Harmony Child Protection Center in Omaha, Neb. Librarian of Congress James H. Billington will accept the gift from Greenberg at the conclusion of its performance the night of the concert.

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington Receives Inaugural Lafayette Prize

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington is the recipient of the inaugural Lafayette Prize, given by the French-American Cultural Foundation for contributions to the development of relations between the United States and France.

Library of Congress and PBS Collect and Preserve Oral Histories of U.S. Wartime Veterans

The Library of Congress Veterans History Project and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) today announced a joint community engagement initiative designed to gather first-hand recollections of the diverse men and women who served our nation during wartime. The public outreach campaign begins this spring and will continue beyond the broadcast of Ken Burns’ new film, "The War," which is scheduled to air on PBS beginning on September 23, 2007.

Pennsylvania and Michigan Libraries Receive Awards for Serving the Blind and Physically Handicapped

The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) at the Library of Congress today presented awards to the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH), Free Library of Philadelphia, and to the Washtenaw County Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled (LBPD) of Ann Arbor, Mich.

Library of Congress and Bibliotheca Alexandrina To Cooperate in Developing World Digital Library

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington and Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina Ismail Serageldin signed an agreement today at the Library of Congress outlining four areas in which the two institutions will cooperate in building a World Digital Library.

StoryCorps Project Wins Peabody Award

The StoryCorps Project, a national initiative encouraging Americans to record one another’s stories in sound, won a rare Institutional Award during the 66th annual Peabody Awards, administered by the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. The StoryCorps recordings, more than 9,000 interviews to date, are being archived at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.

Papers of Former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger Are Donated to the Library of Congress

The papers of former Secretary of Defense Caspar W. Weinberger have been given to the Library of Congress by his widow, Jane Weinberger, in a ceremony held today at the Library. Librarian of Congress James H. Billington accepted the gift from Caspar Weinberger Jr. on behalf of his mother.

Life on the Ohio and Erie Canal Documented in New Online Presentation

"Captain Pearl R. Nye: Life on the Ohio and Erie Canal" offers a fascinating look -- through recordings, letters and photographs -- at a way of life that was eventually supplanted by the railroad. The presentation, one of more than 135 thematic collections in the American Memory Web site, is available at http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/nye/.

Jefferson Building Closing Early, March 29

On Thursday, March 29, the Great Hall, exhibitions and Sales Shop in the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress will be closed to the public beginning at noon.

Americans Can Read the News Before It Was History on New Web Site

The Library of Congress and the National Endowment for the Humanities today announced that "Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers" is debuting with more than 226,000 pages of public-domain newspapers from California, Florida, Kentucky, New York, Utah, Virginia and the District of Columbia published between 1900 and 1910. The fully-searchable site is available at www.loc.gov/chroniclingamerica/.

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington Testifies on the Library's Digital Evolution

In today's digital environment, it takes only 15 minutes to produce an amount of information equivalent to the 134 million analog (physical) materials the Library of Congress has acquired in more than two centuries. Librarian of Congress James H. Billington and other Library officials today provided testimony to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Legislative Branch regarding how the Library is transforming itself to accommodate the digital age. The Librarian’s full testimony is available at www.loc.gov/about/welcome/speeches/digital/digitalage.html

Oxford University Professor Raymond Dwek Appointed To Chair of Technology and Society

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed Raymond Dwek, director of the Glycobiology Institute at Oxford University, to the Chair of Technology and Society in the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress.

Library of Congress To Offer Junior Fellows Summer Internships

This summer the Library of Congress, home of the U.S. Copyright Office, is once again offering special 10-week, paid internships to college students. For a stipend of $3,000, Junior Fellows Summer Interns will work full-time, starting on June 4 and ending on Aug. 10, to help locate and itemize uncataloged materials submitted to the office as part of the copyright registration process. In the past, summer interns have identified hundreds of literary, artistic, film and musical gems among the Library’s copyright deposits.

Librarian of Congress Congratulates Thomas Hampson on Receiving Honorary Membership in Society of American Music

Baritone Thomas Hampson was awarded an honorary membership by the Society for American Music in Pittsburgh on March 1 during the opening day of its annual conference. A champion of American music, the singer was selected in recognition of the recent "Song of America Tour" for the Library of Congress, as well as his many recordings of American music and the work he does through his Hampsong Foundation.

"Women Who Dare" Book Series Adds Four New Titles

From the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to the peak of Mount Everest, armed with picket signs, pickaxes or simply a voice of their own, women have changed the course of history through their courage and spirit, often in the face of overwhelming obstacles.

Their achievements have been chronicled in four new titles in the "Women Who Dare" book series, published by the Library of Congress in association with Pomegranate Communications: "Marian Anderson" by Howard Kaplan, "Margaret Mead" by Aimee Hess, "Women Explorers" by Sharon M. Hannon and "Women for Change" by Sara Day.

Recordings by Historical Figures and Musical Legends Added To the 2006 National Recording Registry

What do President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, legendary performer and songwriter Eubie Blake, Gershwin Prize-winning musician Paul Simon and The Rolling Stones have in common? Today, Librarian of Congress James H. Billington named sound recordings made by them and 21 others to the National Recording Registry to be preserved for all time.

National Literary Society of the Deaf Becomes a Center for the Book Reading Promotion Partner

Twenty-eight deaf people, interested in furthering their education, attended the first meeting of the National Literary Society of the Deaf (NLSD) on Feb. 6, 1907, at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. One hundred years later, that group has grown to some 2,000 organizations and individuals, who will certainly celebrate NLSD’s reading promotion partnership with the Library’s Center for the Book.

Paul Simon To Be Awarded First Annual Gershwin Prize for Popular Song by Library of Congress

Paul Simon, one of America’s most respected songwriters and musicians, will be the recipient of the first annual Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. Named in honor of the legendary George and Ira Gershwin, this newly created award recognizes the profound and positive effect of popular music on the world’s culture. The prize will be given annually to a composer or performer whose lifetime contributions exemplify the standard of excellence associated with the Gershwins.

Keynote Address by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz Headlines Women's History Month Events

The Library of Congress’s extensive holdings include millions of items pertaining to women’s history and culture. A display featuring some of these items will be on view throughout March in the foyer of the James Madison Building. The Library has also launched an online resource page to highlight its collections about women and their accomplishments.

Veterans History Project Celebrates Women's History Month with Special Web Feature

The Veterans History Project, a program of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center, will celebrate Women’s History Month on March 1, 2007, with "Women at War," an addition of 12 fully digitized collections to the "Experiencing War" Web series. Learn more at www.loc.gov/warstories/.

Online Collection Presents Oral Histories of U.S. Diplomats

On Feb. 21, a new online collection of interviews with some of the most prominent diplomats of the 20th century will be available from the Library of Congress at http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/diplomacy/.

Librarian of Congress Names Media Entrepreneur Gerry Lenfest as Chairman of the James Madison Council

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington today announced that he has named H.F. (Gerry) Lenfest as chairman of the James Madison Council, the Library’s private-sector advisory body. He succeeds Edwin L. Cox Sr. of Dallas, who will continue as a member of the Madison Council.

Charles Kupchan Named Henry Alfred Kissinger Scholar

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed Charles A. Kupchan, a professor in the School of Foreign Service and in the Government Department at Georgetown University, as the Henry Alfred Kissinger Scholar in Foreign Policy and International Relations in the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress.

Library of Congress To Host Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation Fellowship

The Library of Congress, starting in 2007, will host a new fellowship that will help highlight the work of women architects represented in the Library’s collections. The Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation (BWAF) in New York City will administer the fellowship.

Law Library of Congress To Celebrate 175th Anniversary in 2007

In celebration of its 175 years of service to Congress and the nation, the Law Library of Congress is launching a yearlong series of events designed to celebrate its achievements and showcase its unparalleled resources.

Grace Cavalieri and "The Poet and Poem" Radio Series Celebrate 30th Anniversary

Grace Cavalieri, host of "The Poet and the Poem from the Library of Congress," will celebrate 30 years of interviewing poets with the spring 2007 season of the radio series that is available to all public radio stations.

$2 Million Sloan Foundation Grant To Help Digitize Thousands of Books

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington today announced that the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation has awarded the Library of Congress a $2 million grant for a program to digitize thousands of public-domain works, with a major focus on at-risk "brittle books" and U.S. history volumes.

Launch of Web Site Leads List of Special Events Honoring Black Achievement

The Library of Congress holds several million items of African-American history and culture. In celebrating the history of African-Americans, the Library has launched an online resource page (www.loc.gov/africanamericans) featuring its rich African-American collections, from slave narratives to veterans’ oral histories; stories on major historical figures; ready-to-use lesson plans for teachers; collection guides; and online exhibitions.

Contemporary Japanese Print Exhibition Starts March 29

"On the Cutting Edge: Contemporary Japanese Prints" will feature 212 fine prints from the College Women’s Association of Japan (CWAJ) Print Show. The exhibition marks the 50th anniversary of the CWAJ Print Show and celebrates the donation of the show’s prints to the collections of the Library of Congress.

Jefferson's Copy of Koran Used in Congressional Swearing-in

When Rep.-elect Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) took his individual ceremonial oath of office on Jan. 4, it was with one hand upon Thomas Jefferson's copy of the Koran.

"Expanding the NLS Experience" Wins MarCom's Platinum Award for 2006

The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, received a Platinum Award from the 2006 MarCom Creative Awards for its national outreach campaign "Expanding the NLS Experience."

U.S. Congressman Major Owens Named Distinguished Visiting Scholar at John W. Kluge Center

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has named Congressman Major R. Owens (D-NY) as a distinguished visiting scholar in the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress.

National Library Service for the Blind Announces New Administrator of Braille Certification

The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, will turn over administrative tasks of the braille certification program to the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), beginning in early 2007.

Librarian of Congress Adds Home Movie, Silent Films and Hollywood Classics to Film Preservation List

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has added 25 motion pictures to the National Film Registry to be preserved for all time, bringing the total number of films on the registry to 450.

Thomas Jefferson Building Closed, Morning of Jan. 4

Due to a special event at the Library of Congress, the Thomas Jefferson Building will be closed to the public until 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 4.

2006 National Film Registry Picks to be Announced on Dec. 27

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington will announce the 2006 selections to the National Film Registry on Wednesday, December 27. This group of titles will bring the total number of films on the registry to 450.

Library of Congress Launches RSS Feeds

The Library of Congress has launched a series of news feeds using the RSS (Really Simple Syndication) technology.

Since its launch in 1994, the Library's award-winning Web site has been the destination of Web users seeking authoritative information and unparalleled collections, with more than 22 million digital objects available in 186 terabytes of content, including photographs, maps, music, film, books and reference information on topics ranging from American history to science and technology to popular culture. The RSS service was launched in response to public requests for alerts on additions to the Library's digital collections, updates of events at the Library's public venues in Washington and news of the institution.

Library of Congress and U.S. Copyright Office Issue Notice of Public Roundtable on Exceptions in Copyright Law For Libraries and Archives

The public roundtable is part of the work of the Section 108 Study Group, which is charged with making recommendations on the exceptions and limitations applicable to libraries and archives under section 108 of the Copyright Act, especially as section 108 affects libraries’ use of digital media.

The roundtable discussion will be held in Chicago on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2007, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST, at DePaul University College of Law, Lewis Building, 10th Floor, Room 1001, 25 E. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60604.

2006 John W. Kluge Prize Winners Announced

John Hope Franklin, 91, and Yu Ying-shih, 76, have been named the recipients of the third John W. Kluge Prize for lifetime achievement in the study of humanity.

Da Vinci Drawing in First Public Viewing Outside of Italy

For the first time ever, Leonard da Vinci's preparatory drawing for the painting "Adoration of the Magi" will be on public display outside of Italy. The Library of Congress will host a special two-day showing from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7, and Friday, Dec. 8, at the Library of Congress.

Working Group Established To Discuss Future of Bibliographic Control

Advances in search-engine technology, the popularity of the Internet and the influx of electronic information resources have greatly changed the way libraries do their work. To address those changes, the Library of Congress has convened a Working Group on the Future of Bibliographic Control to examine the future of bibliographic description in the 21st century.

Jo Ann C. Jenkins Appointed Chief Operating Officer

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed Jo Ann C. Jenkins as chief operating officer, effective Jan. 1, 2007.

New Chief of Music Division

Susan Vita has been appointed chief of the Library of Congress Music Division.