Help:How to create a link to a US Library of Congress (Loc) record
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Many[1] books published in the US have an assigned Library of Congress Control Number[2] (LCCN). Publishers will often include this number on the copyright page. This number should be recorded (with a couple of exceptions listed below) in the external links section of the publication record (select LCCN as the type).
A LoC catalog record is typically specific to an edition. In general, the LCCN should only be added to the external links of the matching edition. Sometimes publishers will include the same LCCN in a later edition. In that case, it should be noted in the publication notes, along with the statement of what edition it is for, rather than in the external links.
A LoC catalog record may list the ebook as an alternate format. In that case, the LCCN should be entered in the external links of the ebook version as well.
It is not unusual for a book to contain an invalid LCCN (one that does not resolve to a LoC catalog record). In that case, it should be noted in the publication notes, along with the explanation that it is invalid, rather than in the external links. If the correct number can be found, it should be placed in the external links.
Footnotes:
- The LoC does not catalog self-published and on-demand printed books.
- Originally known as a "Library of Congress Card Number" and later a "Library of Congress Catalog Card Number".