Enhanced DNA Publishing
4 min
Updated: Nov 18, 2023
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The Library of Congress is the world's largest library with a collection of over 170 million items! It's the official library of the United States, houses the library for the United States Congress as well as the United States Copyright Office. There are three library buildings, multiple storage units, audio video recordings, and artwork. The Library of Congress houses and catalogs millions of books. One of those books can be yours!
A Library of Congress Number (LCCN) is not required, however, if you want your book to be accessible nationally or internationally, it is a necessity.
The simple answers are YES if you want to have your physical book in libraries, and NO, it's not legally required for a self-published book. A LCCN is a tool used by librarians in schools, libraries and other educational institutions. Librarians use the LCCN to locate a specific Library of Congress catalogue record in the national database and to order catalogue cards from the Library of Congress or from commercial suppliers.
There are two ways that publishers (or their representatives) can obtain a LCCN. One is through the Preassigned Control Number (PCN) or the Cataloging in Publication (CIP).
Preassigned Control Number (PCN): The purpose of the Preassigned Control Number program is to enable the Library of Congress to assign control numbers in advance of publication to those titles that may be added to the Library's collections.
Before your book is published, you or your publisher will apply for a Library of Congress number. This number is used by libraries and colleges across the United States. This is especially important if you want your local library or college to add your book to their collection. It's free to register your book, just be sure to do it before your book is published and when you know the number of pages.
A PCN is sort of like an identification number, so that even if a book is not accepted into the LOC, the LOC can still identify it. In order to be considered for a PCN, your book must be published within the United States, list a place of publication on the title or copyright page, and have an editorial office in the US where the LOC can contact you or someone else about the book and confirm bibliographical information.
PCNs are traditionally used only by publishers. Otherwise, authors and self-published authors can apply directly for an LCCN, without needing a PCN.
Cataloging in Publication (CIP): A Cataloging in Publication record (aka CIP data) is exclusively for traditional publishers and is a bibliographic record prepared by the Library of Congress for a book that has not yet been published. When the book is published, the publisher includes the CIP data on the copyright page thereby facilitating book processing for libraries and book dealers.
Again, there is no requirement to having your book in the Library of Congress, but there are a few distinct advantages:
It’s free.
Registering your book won’t give you copyright protection, but it may protect your book from copyright infringements.
Your book will be accessible for the millions of users who visit the LOC.
And most of all, registering your book with the LOC means your book will be assigned catalog data, which is used by all libraries in the United States to catalog their books. In short, it makes it easier to give your book the proper catalog information.
Once the appropriate information has been submitted, a printed copy of your book must be shipped to the LOC. Even though the book receives an LCCN, a decision will be made as to whether your book will actually be housed in the LOC. But as long as the LCCN has been provided, the book will remain in the LOC database with its assigned catalog data.
The Library of Congress, with its staggering collection of over 170 million items, stands as a beacon of knowledge and cultural heritage on a global scale. While obtaining a Library of Congress Number (LCCN) is not a legal requirement for self-published authors, it offers a multitude of benefits for those looking to expand the reach of their books.
A Library of Congress Number serves as a valuable tool for librarians and educational institutions across the United States. It facilitates the cataloging and accessibility of your work, making it available to a broader audience and potential readers. While a PCN is traditionally used by publishers, authors and self-published writers can directly apply for an LCCN, ensuring their work is properly cataloged.
By registering your book with the Library of Congress, you not only gain free access to a vast resource but also protect your work from potential copyright infringements. Furthermore, your book becomes accessible to millions of users who visit the LOC, increasing its visibility and potential readership.
Though a decision may be made regarding whether your book will be housed physically in the Library of Congress, having an LCCN ensures your book's presence in their database with assigned catalog data. This data is invaluable to libraries across the United States, making it easier for them to include your book in their collections.
In essence, obtaining a Library of Congress Number is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your book's reach, protect your intellectual property, and ensure its proper cataloging. So, whether you're a self-published author or part of a publishing house, consider taking advantage of this valuable resource to make your work more accessible to readers and libraries alike.
Visit the Library of Congress to find out more about its Services & Programs including the U.S. Copyright Office, research assistance and the Center for the Book, which engages "diverse audiences through author talks, web-based programs, podcasts, videos, writing challenges for young people, book festivals and other events designed to advance appreciation of the written word".