About this Research Center | Recorded Sound Research Center | Research Centers | Library of Congress (original) (raw)

The Recorded Sound Research Center provides access to the commercial and archival audio holdings of the Library of Congress. The Library's audio collections are now the largest in the United States and among the most comprehensive in the world. The collection dates from 1926 when Victor Records donated over 400 discs to the Library's Music Division to supplement its print and manuscript holdings. In the custody of the National Audio-Visual Conservation Center since 1978, the collection has grown to include nearly 4 million items encompassing audio formats from cylinders to CDs. The holdings complement the field recordings of theAmerican Folklife Center, the moving image collections served in theMoving Image Research Centerand the notated music of theMusic Division.

Because most collections are stored offsite, researchers will need to schedule an appointment to access materials.

Location

Library of Congress
101 Independence Ave, SE
James Madison Building, LM 113
Recorded Sound Research Center
Washington, DC 20540-4810
View map External link

Hours

Public Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Closed Saturdays, Sundays & Federal Holidays