Washington Semester Program

Washington, DC is home to a number of universities with outstanding research libraries, including the 9-library Washington Research Library Consortium (WRLC). 

While you will not have borrowing or special access privileges to WRLC Libraries, most of these Libraries are open to the public on at least a partial basis. Many WRLC institutions are readily accessible from the WMATA system, and some have unique holdings in particular subject areas -- for example, Howard is an HBCU (Historically Black College/University) and "traditionally has had the largest gathering of Black scholars in the world"; Gallaudet has the world's largest collection of Deaf materials; and Catholic University has the only program in Canon (Catholic church) Law in the US. Make sure to take advantage of the many wonderful resources available to you! 

Library Information

The following WRLC Libraries are currently open to the public. Information on general policies for each library is available on the page linked. Note that most Libraries will require you to show a photo ID and sign-in in order to enter. 

As a general rule, please DO NOT visit these university campuses if you have been exposed to COVID-19 in the past 14 days, tested positive, and/or are experiencing symptoms. Access policy information last updated: September 3, 2024

Studying in Washington, DC, you have the unique privilege of being able to conduct research at the Library of Congress. 

The Library of Congress is open to the public with a Reader Identification Card. A Reader Identification Card is free, easy to acquire and valid for two years, so it's well worth stopping in to get one (it also makes a great souvenir of your time in the District). 

It is highly recommended to fill out the pre-registration form before you go, to make the process even smoother. There are two different stations where you can apply for a Reader Identification Card; the station in the Jefferson Building (the iconic LoC building) is open the latest hours. 

COVID guidelines: https://guides.loc.gov/ld.php?content_id=66207443

General Notes: 

• The closest Metro station to the Library of Congress is Capitol South, located on the Orange, Silver and Blue lines. However, the library is also extremely walkable (about 15-20 minutes) from Union Station on the Red line. 
   
• The Library of Congress actually consists of three library buildings: the Madison, the Adams, and the Jefferson. Each building is connected to the others and to the Capitol by tunnel (though not all parts of these tunnels are open to the public).
  • Library locations are often abbreviated: locations in the Madison building are labeled LM, in the Adams, LA, and in the Jefferson, LJ. The Jefferson Building is the "iconic" and most elaborate building and is where tours for the general public are conducted. 
  • If you look at building maps, you will notice that the lower levels of the buildings use color coded zones. These can be extremely useful for navigation, and are worth noting! (in these areas, the walls will often be painted accordingly). 
     
• There are food options in all 3 buildings. Check out the Madison Building's rooftop cafeteria! However, you cannot bring food or drink into the reading rooms. Full list of dining options
   
• To enter the Library of Congress, you will need to undergo security as for any other federal building in Washington -- metal detector and an x-ray machine. There are some restrictions on what you can bring into the research areas -- mainly, no larger bags, coats, or umbrellas, food, or cutting implements. If you need to bring any of these items, you can check them in one of the Cloak Rooms. You may also be asked to show any bags to a guard before leaving the building. More information on personal items in the Library

Research at the Library of Congress

• The Library of Congress uses a closed stack system (similar to the Boston Public Library). You will not be able to browse books in the stacks the way that you would in Dinand. Instead, you will need to identify the materials you want to look at in the catalog and submit a request. Generally you can only request books to be viewed in reading rooms in the Jefferson or Adams buildings. Click here for instructions. 
   
• There are a number of reading rooms in the Library of Congress focused on different themes. You can find a complete list here. Some rooms are not open to the general public. Most likely, the Main Reading Room in the Jefferson Building will be the best place for you to begin your research. 
   
• The Library of Congress offers a number of free orientations for researchers throughout the year. These are highly recommended if you have the opportunity. In addition to helping you use the Library of Congress itself, these orientations often cover tools and strategies that will make you a stronger researcher in general and boost your research even when you return to Dinand! Full list of orientations offered
   
• Just as with the Holy Cross Libraries, the Library of Congress offers a number of valuable online research databases, as well as amazing collections of digitized historical materials.  Note that while the digital collections are freely accessible, you will need to visit the Library of Congress in-person to use most of their research databases. 
   
• The Library of Congress, like Dinand Library, has research librarians available to assist you (as well as Research Guides!) Don't hesitate to ask for help!  You can access the Library of Congress FAQs, contact forms, and chat (where available) here. 
   

As a student studying in Washington, D.C., you are also eligible to obtain a DC Public Library Card. 

It is a good idea to begin the progress of library card registration online; however, you will need to visit a DC Public Library branch to complete the registration. To verify your card registration, you will need to provide proof of your DC address (a utility bill, apartment lease, etc.). 

There are over 26 DC Public Library locations around the city, and your library card works at all of them! See a list of locations. If you choose not to register for a DC Public Library card, you can still visit and study in the library, though you won't be able to check out books and may be unable to use certain services like printing and/or public computers. 

Don't forget that in addition to checking out books and in-library services, a library card gives you access to a variety of online databases, streaming video, e- and audio books, and more!