Guidelines for Listening to Recordings

Listening facilities, which are available without charge, are provided for those doing research of a specific nature, leading toward a publicly available work such as a publication, thesis or dissertation, radio/film/television production, or public performance.

Scholars wishing to hear recordings must register at the Recorded Sound Reference Center as users of rare materials and present their Library of Congress Reader Registration Card.

Listener's should contact the Reference Center at (202) 707-7833 a week in advance to make a listening appointment. Researchers wishing to hear more than ten items should contact the Reference Center two weeks in advance.

Only recordings from the collections of the Library of Congress will be played.

The listener may request the record notes and/or jackets. Print materials provided during a listening appointment must be returned at the end of the appointment each day.

COPYING OF RECORDINGS IS NOT PERMITTED AND RECORDERS MAY NOT BE TAKEN INTO THE LISTENING AREA. Copies of recordings may be purchased from the Recording Laboratory after written authorization is acquired from those who possess legal rights. For further information consult the reference librarian in the Recorded Sound Reference Center.

The Recorded Sound Reference Center is closed on Saturday. Please keep in mind that cancellations without sufficient notice tend to prevent others from having access to the facilities. If cancellations, postponements, or delays are unavoidable please call (202) 707-7833.