It only seemed fitting that a future librarian goes and spends time at the most extensive library in the world, the Library of Congress. I took a weekend trip to Washington D.C. to visit and explore this great library. Home to millions of books, the Library of Congress is “the main research arm of the U.S. Congress” (Hayden, n.d.). I paid particular attention to the Thomas Jefferson unique collection located in the Rare and Specials Hall.
The Grand Library
Approaching the Library of Congress, I felt a little nervous. The building is massive and takes up an entire block of D.C. The front of this vast federal building has these monstrous staircases that lead to the entrance and an open area for patrons to take in the building. I observed many groups of people climbing the stairs to get photos of the front of the building, even though it was snowing and very cold. The outdoor space is grand in size, and visitors are instructed on which entrance to go through with several signs. I also noticed signs for handicap entrances for visitors who cannot use the stairs.
Time tickets are free of charge but are needed to gain access. Upon entering the Library of Congress, visitors must go through a security checkpoint. At this time, your ticket will be scanned, and you will be given a map and are able to ask questions. I must also note when visiting, if patrons would like to see the Reading Room, which is where materials and study spaces are located, you must obtain a reader’s card. Reader’s Identification Cards are free but must be obtained in person and by appointment only. Researchers must be 16 years or older to register for a reader card. Unfortunately, during my visit, there were no appointments available. I plan to get a reader’s card on my next visit.
Thomas Jefferson Special Collection
Thomas Jefferson’s library is on display at the Library of Congress in the Rare Books and Special Collections division. Upon entering the ample open space, you find yourself standing in a big circle, formed by a shelf filled with Thomas Jefferson’s collection of books. In the center of the circular formation is a large tv displaying a live feed of a librarian with expertise in the Thomas Jefferson collection. It was interesting; she was able to see patrons through a camera and happily answered questions. According to the Library of Congress (2021), many of Jefferson’s books were listed in the library fire of 1815. However, the collection has since been reconstructed and digitized. The complete digitized Thomas Jefferson catalog can be viewed https://catalog.loc.gov/vwebv/search?searchCode=LCCN&searchArg=88607928&searchType=1&permalink=y
The People
Tours can be booked through the Library of Congress website. Patrons can opt to take a guided tour through the Library of Congress, or they can choose to wander through themselves. I chose the latter option but was pleased to see many stations with staff members ready to answer questions. There is also a section that allows visitors to observe the Reading Room, which was incredible. I watched several researchers studying at an individual desk, patrons walking through rows of books looking for material, and a vast circular librarian desk at the center. I could see several catalog stations, and the collection is organized using the Library of Congress Classification (LCC).
Rubin and Rubin (2020) explained how the LCC is an aplhanumeric system and is “now the standard for academic libraries because it accomondates modern subjecs more easily” (p. 422).
The Reading Room section of the Library of Congress serves researchers. This is made evident by the required Readers’ Identification card. However, the large area open to all visitors serves many patrons—young, elderly, non-English speaking, etc. During my visit, I was able to see patrons from each of these categories. It was humbling seeing such a diverse group of people visiting and learning at the Library of Congress.
The Library of Congress has a staff of over 3,000. A staff directory is made available online. I saw several staff members leading tour groups through the different collections and displays during my visit. I also saw staff members helping individuals locate various halls on the map and pointing patrons in the direction of the gift shop.
Lets Go Digital
The Library of Congress website offered an inside look at what resources and collections are stored in the library. I was able to decern that the collection goes without saying, is massive. I would say huge would even be an understatement, with more than 131.1 million items in the non-classified collection, featuring audio materials, manuscripts, sheet music, maps, and much more.
I found the website easy to navigate and very informational. The website serves the public and members of the U.S. Congress, researchers, and other government officials. The public can access the library’s catalog online, and several collections are made digitally available. The Library of Congress has many events and tours. Patrons can get a complete list of these events on the event calendar page. The website indicates services such as asking a librarian, allowing individuals to chat with a librarian or program specialist. The website also links visitors to their social media pages, such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and even a podcast.
The Inspiration
I didn’t want to leave the Library of Congress, but I left feeling instead inspired when I did. I felt the importance of a librarian’s role in the community and the importance of access to information. I could feel the history and knowledge of a place like the Library of Congress. I was a little disappointed about not being able to obtain a Reader’s Identification Card and go inside the reader’s room. Still, I will eventually make a trip back to do that. I would advise everyone to plan a trip to this incredible Library!
Reference
Hayden, C. (n.d.) About the Library. Library of Congress. https://www.loc.gov/about/
The Library of Congress (2021, August 10). Special Collection. Library of Congress. https://www.loc.gov/rr/rarebook/coll/130.html#:~:text=While%20many%20of%20the%20Jefferson,Book%20and%20Special%20Collections%20Division.
Rubin, R.E. & Rubin, R.G. (2020). Foundations of library and information science (5th ed.). ALA Neal-Schuman
The LOC is stunning in every way. I’m so glad you made the trip to visit. I was hoping to hear about the Reading Room; when I visited, I couldn’t enter either for the same reason, and I haven’t been back since, even though I live just ten minutes away. The number of staff it takes to run the LOC is significant and impressive! The website is incredibly user-friendly and clean to navigate, with endless information for public access. Overall, a great library visit, and you also inspired me to visit again. Thanks for sharing!
Steph, I agree LOC is stunning all around! I wish I lived a bit closer; getting a Readers Card would be a more straightforward thing. I hope you can register and access the Readers Room! I can’t imagine all the beautiful things in that space. I also enjoyed the website for this library. I think so much learning can be done from the website, and it is straightforward to use.
I knew that the Library of Congress is huge, but I had no idea how beautiful it is! I have an old college boyfriend that worked there for several years, and now I wish I had visited him while he was there. I live only 30 minutes away but have never thought of making the trek out there. If I were to visit, I think I would quickly become overwhelmed. Is it hard to get a time ticket? Are these being utilized due to the pandemic, or is this something they were doing beforehand? I’m not sure why, but my favorite part of your visit, however, is the live feed of the librarian. I think that it is a great idea to have someone answering patrons’ questions regarding the collection. I know if I were to wander around, I would have plenty of questions to ask!
Oh, you should go! It was about a three-hour drive for me but so worth it! The time tickets are straightforward; select the date and time and your name, and you will receive an email copy of the tickets. I believe the time tickets became in effect due to covid and limited access. I was also impressed with the live librarian video feed, and it was so cool.
I was extremely excited to read about this visit! Taking a visit to the Library of Congress has always been a dream of mine. It’s exciting to find out how accessible it is. I didn’t realize it was simply a time ticket away. The library itself is absolutely beautiful. The staff of over 3,000 is what took me by surprise. I realize there is a huge audience for that library, but I think that number far exceeds what I expected. Also, the live feed from the librarian, readily available to answer questions is a very interesting and wonderful idea! Thank you for this visit! I hope to tour soon!
The Library of Congress is stunning, and I would recommend making the trip if you can. I was impressed with the number of staff throughout the space, and they were all so friendly.
What a great visit! I live only an hour outside of DC (and my husband drives there daily for work) and I am sad to say that I’ve never been in there for a extensive period of time. I did a quick walk through way before Covid, but I would love to return! Thank you so much for the information on timed tickets and the Reader’s Card needed to get into the Reading Room. That space and architecture are absolutely stunning.
Yes, the architecture was so beautiful. I can understand not making the trek into the city all that often. The traffic there is so overwhelming for me, and parking is a bit crazy. But it was worth being able to explore this breathtaking library.