The Library of Congress
>> Especially for Researchers >> Research
Centers |
| Home >> Collections |
The CollectionsBooksAs one of the leading genealogical collections in the country, the Library has more than 50,000 genealogies and 100,000 local histories. The collections are especially strong in North American, British Isles, and German sources. These international strengths are further supported and enriched by the Library's incomparable royalty, nobility, and heraldry collection, making it one of a few libraries in America that offer such collections.While the Library is rich in collections of manuscripts, microfilms, newspapers, photographs, maps, and published material, it is not an archive or repository for unpublished or primary source county, state, or church records. Researchers seeking county records will need to visit the courthouse or a library in the county of interest, the state archives, or the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, or one of its Family History Centers, all of which might have either the original county records or microform copies. Volumes from the Library's general collections may be paged from and used in the LH&G Reading Room. In addition to these works, there are some 6,000 guides and other reference works available in the LH&G Reading Room. Most special catalogs and indexes are arranged by family name.
Vertical FileThe vertical files in the Local History and Genealogy Reading Room contain miscellaneous materials relating to specific family names, to the states, towns, and cities of the U.S., and to genealogical research in general. Included are drafts of letters written by LH&G reference librarians, pamphlets and other materials donated to the Library, magazine and newspaper clippings, genealogical charts and newsletters, and brochures of genealogical interest relating to organizations, societies and libraries throughout the United States. Currently, additions or corrections to genealogical information appearing in books in LC's collections are kept in the Vertical File.The procedures for viewing vertical file material and a list of the subject headings in use are kept at the reference desk in the Local History and Genealogy Reading Room.
|
|
Top of Page |
Search the Library's Catalog |
| Home >> Collections |
|
The Library of Congress
>> Especially
for Researchers >> Research
Centers September 14, 2006 |
Contact Us: Ask a Librarian |