Library of congress resources for the study of women

Now estimated at almost 80 million items, the collections of the Library of Congress provide an incomparable wealth of material for the study of women. Books, journals, music, photographs, manuscripts and works in all formats are produced by women, treat the history and status of women, and furnish the general context necessary to an analysis of women’s roles in society. Some previous articles have described certain holdings related to women, notably manuscripts and rare books;¹ however there have been no general surveys. This essay will attempt to demonstrate the breadth of the Library’s resources for women’s studies: print and non-print materials in the general and special collections, exhibits, events, services to special groups, and the place of women as staff and users.