This post was authored by Sean Bryant, Science Reference & Research Specialist in the Science, Technology, and Business Division of the Library of Congress. 

Over the past several weeks, those of us who staff the Science and Business Reading Room have watched the other reading rooms of the Library of Congress gradually reopen to readers and researchers. Starting July 26, we will join in to provide reference services in the Main Reading Room, by appointment only, between the hours of 9:30 am – 12:30 pm and 1 pm – 4 pm, Monday through Friday.

Science and Business reference staff at the center desk of Main Reading Room, Library of Congress. (Photograph by Jennifer Harbster, July 2021)

Because of ongoing construction in the John Adams Building over the next several months, we are temporarily moving our services across the street to the Jefferson Building where we will set up shop at the iconic center desk of the Main Reading Room, ready to help readers with their science and business questions.

Business reference staff at the center desk of Main Reading Room, Library of Congress. (Photograph by Jennifer Harbster, July 2021)

Those wanting to visit us for business, science, standards, or technical reports research assistance will need to complete a telephone reference interview with us at least 24 hours in advance of when they would like to visit.  For science and business reference appointments in the Main Reading Room, call us at (202) 707-5639.  You can also use our Business or Science and Technical Reports forms to submit requests through our Ask-a-Librarian service. Be sure to include a telephone number with your request, as you will need to complete a telephone reference interview to receive an appointment.

During your telephone reference interview, we will ask about resources you would like to use while at the Library, in order to have the material made available upon your arrival. After the reference interview, approved researchers will be sent an appointment confirmation to show security upon their arrival.

Prospective researchers contacting the Library should also have their reader cards ready, if they possess one, as researchers with expired reader cards or without reader cards entirely, will be given a second appointment with reader registration during the hour prior to their research appointment.

Once at the Library, researchers will need to follow the Library’s health and safety protocols, including mask wearing, social distancing, observing posted signs, and following staff instructions.

Researchers requiring an ADA accommodation for their visit must make a request at least five business days before their planned appointment by contacting [email protected] or (202) 707-6024.

For the most up-to-date information for researchers, check //www.loc.gov/about/pandemic-information/for-researchers/.

We look forward to welcoming you back!

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