How do I request materials to use in a reading room?

The Library of Congress is a "closed stack" library. A small number of general reference works are available in each reading room's reference collection, but all other materials must be requested from the closed stacks.

If you are a registered researcher planning to visit the Library, you will be able to request materials from the Library's general collections of books and bound periodicals to use in a reading room. Written instructions and a short video tutorial are included below.

If you would like to use materials from one of the Library's special format collections (photographs, maps, music, sound, film, manuscripts, and other media), please contact the associated reading room before your visit, to introduce yourself and to ensure that the materials you would like to see are onsite and available for you to work with when you arrive.

For more information on registering for a Library of Congress Reader Identification Card, please see our FAQ linked below.

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Last Updated: Jun 04, 2020
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