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How can I use the Asian Collections at the Library of Congress?
Are there special procedures or requirements for accessing rare materials in the Asian collections?
Anyone 16 years or older may come in and use the Asian Reading Room. To make the best use of your time, it is a good idea to plan your visit in advance. A Library of Congress library card is required to use any of the Library’s research centers, including the Asian Reading Room.
Asian Division rare materials are accessible by appointment only. All researchers requesting rare materials are required to write, email, or telephone the Asian Division prior to their visits as advance notice is needed to retrieve rare items for research use.
The researcher must fill out the Asian Reading Room Rare Books Request form. The researcher must also read and sign the Asian Reading Room Registration and Agreement form on a daily basis.
For more information about the process of viewing Rare Books in the Asian Reading Room, please visit the Asian Reading Room Rare Book Policy site.
