What Does Library of Congress Do?

Total employees4321
HeadquartersWashington
Founded1800

The Library of Congress is the de facto national library of the United States and the largest library in the world. It serves as the research arm of the U.S. Congress and is a premier public institution, offering access to a rich, diverse, and enduring source of knowledge to inform, inspire, and engage intellectual and creative endeavors. Its collections are universal, not limited by subject, format, or national boundary, and include research materials from all parts of the world and in more than 470 languages.

Where Is Library of Congress's Headquarters?

HQ Function

Serves as the main research and administrative center, housing vast collections, reading rooms, exhibition spaces, and offices for library staff, the Librarian of Congress, and the U.S. Copyright Office.

Notable Features:

The Thomas Jefferson Building is renowned for its Gilded Age architecture, grand Main Reading Room, and elaborate artwork. The James Madison Memorial Building is one of the largest library buildings in the world. The John Adams Building features Art Deco design.

Work Culture:

A mission-driven environment focused on scholarship, preservation, and public service, with a diverse workforce of librarians, archivists, curators, subject-matter experts, and administrative staff dedicated to acquiring, preserving, and providing access to knowledge.

HQ Significance:

The headquarters is not only the operational hub for the world's largest library but also a significant cultural and architectural landmark in the U.S. capital, symbolizing the nation's commitment to knowledge, learning, and cultural heritage.

Values Reflected in HQ: The grandeur, accessibility, and comprehensive nature of the headquarters reflect values of knowledge, democracy, cultural preservation, public service, and universal access to information.

Location:

The Library of Congress maintains a global presence primarily through its six overseas offices located in Cairo (Egypt), Jakarta (Indonesia), Islamabad (Pakistan), Nairobi (Kenya), New Delhi (India), and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). These offices acquire research materials from their respective regions for the Library's collections and for other American libraries through the Cooperative Acquisitions Program. This network ensures comprehensive global coverage in its collection development, making it a truly international resource.

Street Address:

101 Independence Ave SE

City:

Washington

State/Province:

D.C.

Country:

United States

Where Else Does Library of Congress Operate Around the World?

Culpeper, Virginia, United States

Address: 19053 Mount Pony Rd, Culpeper, VA 22701

Serves as the primary site for the Library's audio-visual collection stewardship, including archival storage, preservation laboratories, and digital conversion.

Fort Meade, Maryland, United States

Address: Specialized storage facility on Fort Meade military base (not open for general public access)

Provides secure, long-term archival storage for millions of books, bound periodicals, and other paper-based materials.

New Delhi, India

Address: American Center, 24 Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi 110001, India (c/o U.S. Embassy)

Facilitates the acquisition of scholarly and cultural materials from India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Maldives.

Buying Intent Signals for Library of Congress

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Notable news
Hiring actively
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*Example signal, not calculated in real time

Who's Leading Library of Congress? Meet the Executive Team

As of April 2025, Library of Congress' leadership includes:

Dr. Carla Hayden - Librarian of Congress
Aslihan Bulut - Chief Operating Officer
Shira Perlmutter - Register of Copyrights and Director, U.S. Copyright Office
Mark Sweeney - Acting Deputy Librarian for Library Collections and Services & Associate Librarian for Library Services
Mary B. Mazanec - Director, Congressional Research Service

Who's Investing in Library of Congress?

Library of Congress has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:

U.S. Congressional Appropriations
Gifts and Trust Funds from Private Donors
Fees for Services (e.g., Copyright Office registrations)
Sales from Library Shop and Publications

What Leadership Changes Has Library of Congress Seen Recently?

Hire1
Exits1

The Library of Congress has seen key leadership transitions in the past year, notably with a new Director for the Congressional Research Service and an acting appointment for the Deputy Librarian for Library Collections and Services following a retirement.

Departures

Robin Dale, Robin Dale retired as Deputy Librarian for Library Collections and Services.

New Appointments:

Mary B. Mazanec, Mary B. Mazanec appointed as the new Director of the Congressional Research Service.
Mark Sweeney, Mark Sweeney named Acting Deputy Librarian for Library Collections and Services following Robin Dale's retirement.

What Technology (Tech Stack) Is Used byLibrary of Congress?

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Library of Congress Email Formats and Examples

The Library of Congress primarily uses the email format combining the first initial of an employee's first name with their full last name, followed by '@loc.gov'. For example, an employee named Jane Doe would likely have the email address jdoe@loc.gov. Variations may exist for specific departments or roles, and some staff may use a four-letter code derived from their last name plus their first initial.

[first_initial][last]@loc.gov

Format

jdoe@loc.gov

Example

80%

Success rate

What's the Latest News About Library of Congress?

loc.govMay 21, 2024

Library of Congress National Screening Room to Showcase Rarely Seen Films from Library’s Collection

The Library of Congress announced a new initiative, the National Screening Room, which will regularly showcase rarely seen films from its vast collection, offering public access to unique cinematic treasures both online and in its Pickford Theater....more

loc.govMay 16, 2024

Library of Congress Acquires Archive of Iconic American Photographer Ansel Adams

The Library of Congress has acquired the extensive archive of renowned American photographer Ansel Adams, including thousands of photographic prints, negatives, correspondence, and writings, significantly enhancing its unparalleled photography collections....more

blogs.loc.govApril 24, 2024

Library of Congress Celebrates 224th Birthday

The Library of Congress marked its 224th birthday, reflecting on its history since its founding on April 24, 1800, and its ongoing mission to acquire, preserve, and provide access to a universal collection of knowledge and creativity for Congress and the American people....more

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