May 9, 2010 Library Forum Examines Online Serial Acquisition

The Library of Congress has taken another step toward the acquisition and preservation of works that are only available on the Internet. Home of the U. S. Copyright Office, the Library has convened more than 60 participants, representing 40 organizations and publishers, in an "Electronic Deposit Publishers Forum" May 10-11. The group will discuss file formats for submissions, proposed transfer mechanisms, and technical issues relating to metadata elements. The forum will enable members of the publishing community to collaborate with the Library staff to identify technical and procedural options for submitting electronic works available only online.

The Copyright Office adopted interim regulations in February to acquire certain published electronic works that are available only online for the Library’s collections. The regulations apply to the mandatory deposit requirement of the copyright law under which two copies of the best edition of a work published in the United States must be deposited with the Copyright Office. The interim regulations are part of a larger effort by the Library to build its collection of electronic works, starting with online serials.

Founded in 1800, the Library of Congress is the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution. The Library seeks to spark imagination and creativity and to further human understanding and wisdom by providing access to knowledge through its magnificent collections, programs and exhibitions. Many of the Library’s rich resources can be accessed through its website at www.loc.gov and via interactive exhibitions on a personalized website at myLOC.gov.