Services
Below is information regarding commonly requested services and resources that the Manuscript Division provides.
Ask a Librarian
All researchers are encouraged to contact Manuscript Division staff through Ask a Librarian. Staff can answer queries about visiting the reading room, explain how best to utilize our research tools and guides, and provide further information about our collections. In addition, we can help troubleshoot electronic searches, define the search capabilities of various search systems, direct patrons to published editions of our collections and secondary sources, and provide information about digital and microfilm surrogates. We can also offer comprehensive research guidance within the Library of Congress and direct researchers to other repositories when needed.
Interlibrary Loan
Microfilm reels of collections for which the Manuscript Division holds the originals are eligible for interlibrary loan. Up to ten reels from one collection may be borrowed for a loan period of two months. Prospective borrowers may initiate a loan request at their local library. Original collection material is not eligible for interlibrary loan.
Visit Interlibrary Loan website
Reproductions
If you are unable to visit the Library, Manuscript Reading Room staff may be able to provide information and assistance in obtaining reproductions of material. Please contact staff through Ask A Librarian with information about your request.
Orientations
Manuscript Division staff are available to provide virtual and in-person orientations for groups and undergraduate and graduate classes using Manuscript Division resources. Please visit the Orientations form page to see our offerings and complete the request form. If you are interested in a general visit to the Library, the Visitor Engagement Office may be able to help. For groups under the age of 16, the Library offers virtual workshops led by a Library facilitator upon request.
Exhibition Loan of Select Manuscript Collection Objects to Authorized Institutions
The Library of Congress Exhibits Office coordinates with designated Special Collections division exhibition liaisons and Library conservators to guide and apply requirements for requests for a loan of original primary collection items to qualifying institutions worldwide. Manuscript Division collections provide fertile ground for curators and others involved in creating exhibitions. Exhibit loan questions involving manuscript collections should be directed to the Manuscript Division exhibition liaison, Barbara Bair, at bbai@loc.gov, and researchers are encouraged to turn to the division’s reference librarians and collection specialists for exhibition content development assistance.
For detailed information on how to request items for exhibition loan from Library holdings, including Manuscript Division collections, please consult the Library of Congress Exhibit Office Loan Procedures to Institutions page. Note that requests must be submitted to the Exhibit Office registrars at a minimum of 9 months prior to loan. All exhibition loans are subject to conservation review and approval for use by Library curatorial staff and administrators, as facilitated through designated exhibition liaisons, and subject to stipulations for security, installation, storage, and display mandated by the Exhibits Office. Please keep in mind in planning that the borrowing institution is responsible for all the costs related to the loan, including any required security scans, fabrication of display housing, insurance, crating, and shipping and/or courier expenses.
Reproducing Items from Manuscript Collections for Facsimile Exhibition Display
If conservation condition and any active access or use restrictions permit, quality reproduction scans of collection material for use in facsimile exhibition displays can sometimes be downloaded direct from the Library’s web site, created by researchers utilizing the reading room, or ordered at a fee through the Library's Duplication Services. Contact division reference librarians or collection specialists for more information regarding options for reproducing or captioning materials not subject to physical loan requests.
Don’t see what you’re looking for here? Check out our FAQ page for additional information about what services we are able to provide.