Library of Congress >> About the Library >> Especially for Researchers

Library Security - what you need to know to use Library of Congress reading rooms

HOME - Entry and Exit - Reader Registration - Personal Belongings - Closed Stacks - Use of Materials
Personal Property - Conduct - Video Surveillance - Contacts - Information for Researchers

Entry and Exit Procedures

Library Police Officer operates x-ray equipment
At the Madison Building entrance, a Library Police Officer operates X-ray scanning equipment as part of the entry procedure.

Individuals should limit the amount of personal property they bring into the Library. Persons entering the Library do so with the understanding that all property in their possession, including, but not limited to, suitcases, briefcases, attache cases, handbags, large envelopes, packages, and office equipment, will be inspected by the Library Police upon entry and exit.

Entry Procedures

Entry procedures have been implemented to ensure that prohibited items are not brought onto the premises, thus safeguarding the Library's visitors and staff. Members of the public entering any of the Library buildings must pass through a magnetometer (metal detector). X-ray machines are also used by the Library Police as part of this entry procedure.

Certain prohibited items cannot be brought into Library buildings. Dangerous weapons are prohibited items and include, but are not limited to, firearms, explosives, knives, razors, and box-cutters. In addition, oversized (not exceeding 25"W x 15"H) suitcases or bags that will not fit on the x-ray conveyor belts are prohibited. No provisions are made for checking or holding prohibited items.

Personal office equipment such as laptop computers brought into Library buildings must be registered at the Library Police operations office, LJ G-40.

Police Officer performs exit inspection
 A Library Police Officer performs an exit inspection at the Madison Building Independence Avenue exit.

Exit Procedures

At the Library building exits, all individuals must present for inspection all property in their possession, including, but not limited to, suitcases, briefcases, attache cases, handbags, large envelopes, packages, and office equipment. Most books, magazines, and other library-type materials will be thoroughly inspected by the Library Police Officer on duty.

At the exit, all individuals must also pass through a theft detection gate, which will sound an alarm if a targeted collections item is carried through it.

7/25/01


HOME - Entry and Exit - Reader Registration - Personal Belongings - Closed Stacks - Use of Materials
Personal Property - Conduct - Video Surveillance - Contacts - Information for Researchers

Library of Congress >> About the Library >> Especially for Researchers
( October 18, 2002 )


Contact Us