Yes.It is possible to pre-register online for a Reader Identification Card, but the process must be completed in person at the Library.
Users of the Library's research areas, including Computer Catalog Centers, and Copyright Office public service areas are each required to have aReader Identification Cardissued by the Library.In addition to gaining access to the Library's research areas, a this cardalso allows access to the many subscription databases available at the Library, but only if you are onsite. This is also true of any other copyrighted or license-restricted resources.
Access to the Library of Congress Online
The Library's freely-available digital collections and online catalog are accessible to all users via the Library of Congress website. The Library's E-Resources Online Catalog provides access to the Library's subscription databases for onsite users only, but also features a number of freely-accessible digital resources selected by Library staff that may be used by offsite users.
For more information about what may or may not be available on the Library's website, see: How does the Library decide to make collections material available online?
Any researcher, registered or not, can use this service to submit an inquiry to a Library of Congress subject specialist. We are happy to provide research assistance—there is no registration requirement for our help!
