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Recorded Sound Reference Center (Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division)
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Guidelines for Listening to Recordings

Listening facilities, which are available without charge, are provided for those doing research of a specific nature, leading toward a publicly available work such as a publication, thesis or dissertation, radio/film/television production, or public performance. We regret that the facilities may not be used for purely personal study or appreciation.

Scholars wishing to hear recordings must register at the Recorded Sound Reference Center as users of rare materials and present their Library of Congress Reader Registration Card.

Waiting time for listening appointments will vary according to the time required to search and retrieve an item. Listener's should contact the Reference Center at (202) 707-7833 a week in advance to make a listening appointment.

Instructional recordings, such as foreign language, typing or shorthand courses are not available. Only recordings from the collections of the Library of Congress will be played.

Open-reel tapes and discs may be heard a maximum of two times. Requests for cueing will be accommodated as staff time permits. Stops and starts, or backing up for repeat of certain passages are not allowed.

The listener may request the record notes and/or jackets. Print materials provided during a listening appointment must be returned at the end of the appointment each day.

COPYING OF RECORDINGS IS NOT PERMITTED AND TAPE RECORDERS MAY NOT BE TAKEN INTO THE LISTENING AREA. Tape copies of recordings may be purchased from the Recording Laboratory after written authorization is acquired from those who possess legal rights. For further information consult the reference librarian in the Recorded Sound Reference Center.

The Recorded Sound Reference Center is closed on Saturday. Please keep in mind that cancellations without sufficient notice tend to prevent others from having access to the facilities. If cancellations, postponements, or delays are unavoidable please call (202) 707-7833.

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  Home >> About the Reference Center
  The Library of Congress >> Especially for Researchers >> Research Centers
  November 1, 2007
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