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About the Law Library

Welcome message from the Acting Law Librarian of Congress

The Law Library of Congress was established in 1832 to provide the United States Congress and Supreme Court with access to current and accurate legal materials. Entering our third century of service, our mission has expanded to include other branches of the U.S. Government, the public and the global legal community. This evolving mission is supported by a collection of more than 2.6 million volumes and a staff of 100 lawyers, librarians, other professionals and support staff.

The Law Library has grown over the years to become the world’s largest, with a collection that spans the ages and covers virtually every jurisdiction in the world. As the leading research center for foreign, comparative and international law, the Library also provides valuable reference assistance to the scholarly community and to researchers across the nation and the globe.

I invite you to learn more about the Law Library by exploring our newly designed web site where you will find an increasing number of digital resources available without restrictions. These reports, research guides, newsletters and digital collections were produced and compiled in consideration of current topics with legal significance to national and international audiences.

The Law Library continues to be guided by the belief that universal access to and the understanding of law serves an important role in promoting peace and democracy. Through its dedication to quality and ability to adapt to rapidly changing technology, the institution will remain relevant for the present and insure its place in the future.

Whether you visit the Law Library of Congress in person or online, I hope you will make use of its rich resources and return often.

Charles Doyle
Acting Law Librarian of Congress

Last Updated: 12/05/2008