John Hansen's Visit to the Library of Congress

A recent visit to the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. was productive and well worthwhile. However, I thought it may be worthwhile to pass some tips along that reflect some changes and some clarifications about the Internet connection.

  1. The front entrance has been closed for renovation so use the back entrance on 2nd St. The sign says researchers, etc., so just march on in. (Historical Information - Front entrance open, but researchers entrance is still available and closer to your destination)
  2. There are three buildings for the LOC. The genealogy section is in the Main Building, i.e.,the Jefferson building.
  3. The genealogy room is G42 on first floor.
  4. It's easier and faster to process book requests, etc., if you first obtain a user's permit/id. You can obtain this on the second floor at the main reception desk. You'll need a picture ID.
  5. It's beneficial to also obtain a copy card at the same time. This is available in alcove 8 to the left of the main desk. The card machine is a bit funny in that you have to start with a $1 bill to get the card and then you can add $1, $5, $10, or $20 amounts to it. There is also a credit card machine. The cost of copies is only $.10 by card and $.15 by cash, but the big advantage is that more machines are available by card!
  6. Some important distinctions in the card files. Items after 1980 are only available by computer search. Items from 1969 are available by computer or by card file. Card file is not available after 1980. Items before 1966 are available by computer but have so many mistakes that they don't recommend the use of computer. On the Internet, you would need to access the file " Premark".
  7. Interlibrary loan (ILL) is only available on the microfilm copies of the items.
  8. Library hours:
    Local History and Genealogy
    Monday, Wednesday, Thursday      8:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
    Tuesday, Friday, Saturday      8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
    Sunday      Closed

  9. Internet address is www.loc.gov (Verified 9/18/20)
    *AOL Note: See the Library of Congress Online at keyword LOC
  10. I highly recommend logging in by Internet and finding the call numbers, etc., of materials that you want. It takes about an hour to get the materials that you request. There is a limit of 15 items per hour.
  11. The manual is available by FTP at seq1.loc.gov in the directory /pub/LC.Online. It is also available for sale in the print shop.
  12. Related information is available in the /pub directory.
  13. Session for search is telnet.
  14. The FAMILY SEARCH with CD-ROM is available. They have two machines available with the IGI, AF, SSA, etc.

I was generally more impressed this time than on my last visit a few years ago. The LOC now have some knowledgeable staff and seem a lot more interested in helping! They have added 12 pages of new material in just the last few months and it is fairly significant material. "Mayflower births and deaths from the files of George Ernest Bowman" is an example. I found some other limited editions of materials that I was surprised to see. Anyway, I hope this helps anyone logging into LOCIS and/or planning a visit to DC. If you're planning to visit the Archives, I would recommend a stop at the Library of Congress as well.

Best Regards
John A. Hansen

jahansen@halcyon.com
jahansen@networksnw.com
compuserve 73304.3133

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