Using the Collection
Pre-1978 Records
Copyright registrations and renewals covering the period 1870 through 1977 are accessible through a physical card catalog housed in the Copyright Office and also through a virtual set of volumes titled the “Catalog of Copyright Entries” (CCEs) , which cover 1891 to 1977. Records from 1955 through 1977 also can be viewed online through the Virtual Card Catalog Proof of Concept .
Some application cards from the card catalog are now part of the CPRS . Additionally, some historical record books have been digitized as part of the Copyright Historical Record Books Collection . More records will be added to CPRS and online Copyright Historical Record Books Collection over time.
Conditions of Use
The collection may be consulted by any adult engaged in serious research who presents a valid Library of Congress issued reader card and agrees to adhere to the division's rules for the use of rare materials. Minors under sixteen years old are not admitted to the Copyright Reading Room.
All researchers are advised to call the Copyright Reading Room prior to visiting. Some collections are stored off-site, and advance notice is needed to retrieve these items for research use.
Requesting Collection Materials
Registered readers may request materials for use within the Copyright Reading Room; however, these materials may not be removed from the premises. Becoming a registered reader is simple, and anyone ages sixteen and up may apply for an official Reader Identification Card.
Collections Stored Off-Site
Readers interested in consulting any of the collections are advised to telephone the Copyright Reading Room at 1-877-476-0778 (toll-free) several days before visiting. Many collections are stored in other locations, and advance notice is needed to retrieve these items for research use.