How to Request a Book

Users of the Library's research areas, including Computer Catalog Centers, and Copyright Office public service areas are each required to have a Reader Identification Card issued by the Library Reader Registration Center. Cards are free and can be obtained by completing the registration process in person and presenting a valid driver's license, state-issued identification card, or passport. Researchers must be 16 and above years of age at time of registration.

Once registered, readers may request books from the Library’s general collections via the LC Online Catalog using their individual account numbers.

Books will be retrieved for use only in the Library's Main and Science and Business reading rooms. In order to use the service, readers must have a Reader Identification Card issued after April 15, 2009.

Before requesting a book, be sure that the catalog entry for the item in question has a Library of Congress call number. If the entry is lacking a call number, or if the call number appears to be incomplete, ask a reference librarian for assistance.