THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS April 29, 1993 PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE Press contact: Craig D'Ooge (202) 707-9189 Public Information: (202) 707-3656 REMOTE ACCESS TO LIBRARY OF CONGRESS COMPUTER FILES AVAILABLE Computerized access to the vast resources of the world's largest library will improve dramatically on Friday, April 30. For the first time, more than 26 million Library of Congress records in 35 different files will become available to the general public in the Internet. Previously, such access has been available only to researchers at the Library, Library staff, congressional offices, and selected institutions and agencies involved in cooperative programs with the Library of Congress. The Internet is a non-profit collection of computer networks that links an estimated 20 million computer users in more than 100 countries. The Library of Congress requires no fee to search its files. The host address for telnet access to the Library of Congress Information System (LOCIS) is locis.loc.gov (140.147.254.3). The Library supports both 3270 and line mode for access to its files. LOCIS includes more than 15 million catalog records for books, microforms, music, audiovisuals, manuscripts, microcomputer software, serials, maps, name and subject references, and in-process items. LOCIS also contains citations to federal legislation (1973--), copyright registrations and legal documents (1978--), braille and recorded materials for those unable to read print, selected foreign legislation (1976--) and foreign legal references (1989--), and a listing of 13,000 organizations that provide information, arranged by subject. Except for national holidays, LOCIS will be available for searching at the following times (Eastern time): Monday-Friday 6:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Regional mid-level computer networks that participate in the Internet in the U.S. communicate over dedicated high-speed data lines managed, in part, by the National Science Foundation. Access to the Internet is provided through a variety of sources unrelated to the Library of Congress. These sources include computer centers in academic, business, and government organizations, library networks, commercial vendors and gateways, local entrepreneurs, electronic bulletin boards, and National Science Foundation regional networks. Although the Library of Congress charges no fees for access to its files, many Internet access providers do charge fees to connect to Internet. Individuals and organizations that do not already have access to internet should contact their local library for further information or call the InterNIC Information Services Referral Desk (1-800-444-4345), Monday through Friday 5 a.m.-7 p.m. (Pacific time), which can send a list of Internet access providers. Complete instructions for searching LOCIS and for obtaining the LOCIS Quick Search Guide and LOCIS Reference Manual will be available on the initial screens presented to users upon connecting to LOCIS. In recent testimony before Congress, Librarian of Congress James H. Billington said, "We believe the future holds the potential for the Library to play a significant role in enriching and upgrading local institutions of learning and research so that even those Americans far from great universities and the more affluent schools and libraries can still have access to the best of the nation's heritage and the latest up-to-date information." The availability of selected Library of Congress computer files over the Internet is a major step toward the creation of an electronic "library without walls" as outlined in the Library's strategic plan for the year 2000, which was delivered to Congress last year. # # # PR 93-59 4-29-93 ISSN #0731-3527 LC ONLINE SEARCH DOCUMENTATION For searching Library of Congress public databases over the Internet In early 1993 the Library of Congress announced a major new initiative to increase the availability of its resources to the public. Up to 60 simultaneous users can search the Library of Congress public catalog and other files as a free service provided through the Internet. Instructions for connecting to the Library of Congress Information System (LOCIS) over the Internet are available in a recorded message by calling (202) 707-3656. Although documentation for searching Library of Congress files is available for free downloading over the Internet, you can also purchase it in a packaged, easy-to-use format as described below. Use this documentation to understand the content of the databases available for searching and to learn how to formulate search queries. Instructions for signing onto the Library of Congress Information System (LOCIS) over the Internet are also available. LOCIS Reference Manual (1993) This print reference manual describes how to gain access to the Library of Congress Information System (LOCIS), which includes more than 26 million Library of Congress records in 35 different files. File descriptions include LC's MARC (machine-readable cataloging) files; copyright files, 1978 to present; and federal bill status files. Commands for searching both the Library of Congress technical processing/cataloging system (MUMS) and the reference/retrieval system (SCORPIO) are also described. The manual includes instructions for signing onto the system over the Internet and for conducting searches. Approximately 200 pages long and measuring 8 1/2" by 11", the manual is spiral bound for easy reference. A handy index to the files, commands, and search points is also included. LOCIS Quick Search Guide (1993) A handy, quick-reference guide for searching the Library of Congress Information System (LOCIS) over the Internet. Spiral bound for easy use at your workstation, the guide features approximately 30 pages of brief, clearly formatted instructions for searching Library of Congress files. For each file, a brief description of the content is followed by concise instructions for formulating search queries, selecting and displaying records. User tips, examples, and instructions for limiting searches are also included. The guide is approximately 8 1/2" by 11". To order, you may use your VISA or MasterCard and call: Telephone: 1-800-255-3666 (Toll-free, U.S. only); (202) 707-6100 FAX: (202) 707-1334