What is the National Digital Library Program?

The program is an effort to digitize and deliver electronically the unique, historical Americana holdings of the Library of Congress and other institutions, including photographs, manuscripts, rare books, maps, recorded sound, and moving pictures. To achieve this goal, the program will cooperate with members of the National Digital Library Federation and other libraries and archives throughout the United States.


Will the National Digital Library Program digitize all Library of Congress holdings?

Of the 111 million books, photographs, manuscripts, rare books, maps, sound recordings and moving pictures held by the Library, more than 500,000 are in digital form today. The program will focus on digitizing the Library's unique American history holdings.


How does the National Digital Library Program select items for digitization?

The program carefully selects unique Americana that will be of greatest value to students, researchers, and educators. Selection is based on cultural and educational value, expected demand, and the ability of current technology to capture the content. The Library manages copyright and other relevant rights, such as publicity and privacy rights, for online collections.


How is the National Digital Library Program funded?

The program is funded by congressional appropriations and private sector donations. For every one dollar appropriated by Congress, the program raises three dollars in gift funds.

How did the National Digital Library Program begin?

The Library conducted a research effort, called the American Memory pilot project, from 1990 to 1994. This pilot, funded by congressional appropriations, included evaluations in forty-four school and library sites around the United States. These evaluations demonstrated the value of digital collections as primary sources, and indicated especially high interest among educators. The enthusiastic response to the pilot project helped spur establishment of the National Digital Library Program.

Will the National Digital Library Program take the place of traditional libraries?

No. The program will augment ever-growing services provided by traditional libraries. Online primary sources made available through the National Digital Library Program will enhance the broad intellectual and research support already provided in libraries and classrooms.