Direct Borrowing:
* Members of Congress: They have full borrowing privileges.
* Federal Government employees: They can borrow for official purposes.
* Researchers: Anyone conducting research can apply for a reader's card, which grants borrowing privileges based on their research needs. This requires a background check and justification of research.
* Students: Students enrolled in accredited educational institutions can borrow materials through their school's interlibrary loan program.
Indirect Borrowing:
* Other libraries: The Library of Congress provides materials to other libraries through interlibrary loan. If your local library needs a specific book from the Library of Congress, they can request it.
Important Notes:
* Borrowing policies are strict: The Library of Congress has strict borrowing policies and procedures to ensure the preservation of its rare and valuable collections.
* Not a public library: The Library of Congress is not a public library open to anyone. It's primarily focused on serving the nation's research needs.
If you're interested in using the Library of Congress resources, you can visit the library in person or explore its extensive online collections.