Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n- An LCCN identifies a bibliographic record, not the book itself.<\/li>\n
- The Library of Congress offers a Preassigned Control Number program for eligible forthcoming books.<\/li>\n
- Eligible authors and self-publishers can request an LCCN through the PrePub Book Link system.<\/li>\n
- The program is free, but participants must follow its rules.<\/li>\n
- An LCCN does not guarantee that the Library of Congress will add your book to its collection.<\/li>\n
- An LCCN and an ISBN serve different purposes.<\/li>\n
- The program has specific U.S. publication and book-format requirements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What Is a Library of Congress Control Number?<\/h2>\n
A Library of Congress Control Number<\/strong><\/a>, commonly called an LCCN, is a unique number linked to a book\u2019s bibliographic record. The Library of Congress assigns these numbers to help identify and manage records for books in its catalog. Librarians can use them to locate the correct record in library databases.<\/p>\nA bibliographic record contains information about a book, such as its title, author, publisher, and publication details. This information helps libraries identify a specific work and manage their collections. The LCCN serves as a reference number for that record.<\/p>\n
For example, imagine you publish a nonfiction book<\/strong><\/a> about business leadership. A librarian researching your title may need accurate information to identify the correct edition. An LCCN can help the librarian locate its associated catalog record when one is available.<\/p>\nHowever, an LCCN does not mean the Library of Congress has purchased or approved your book. The number supports cataloging and identification. Library staff still decide which books to add to their collections.<\/p>\n
What Does LCCN Stand For?<\/h2>\n
LCCN stands for Library of Congress Control Number. You may also see people call it a Library of Congress number or a Library of Congress catalog number. These terms generally refer to the same identification number.<\/p>\n
The Library of Congress distinguishes an LCCN from a Preassigned Control Number, or PCN. An LCCN is associated with a bibliographic record, while a PCN is an LCCN assigned before publication through an eligible program.<\/p>\n
This difference matters when you prepare your book for publication. Authors usually request a preassigned number before releasing an eligible title. The number can then appear on the book\u2019s copyright page.<\/p>\n
Why Does a Self-Published Book Need an LCCN?<\/h2>\n
An LCCN can make it easier for libraries and book professionals to identify a book\u2019s catalog record. It may support cataloging and other book-processing tasks when libraries obtain the title. For eligible authors, requesting one can be a useful part of preparing a print book for distribution.<\/p>\n
Self-published authors<\/strong><\/a> often manage tasks that traditional publishers handle internally. These tasks may include arranging an ISBN, preparing the copyright page, checking distribution options, and organizing publication details. Understanding the LCCN process helps authors decide whether to include it in their publishing plans.<\/p>\nConsider an author preparing a business book for release in the United States. The author plans to approach bookstores, libraries, and professional groups after publication. If the title meets the program\u2019s requirements, a preassigned LCCN may help with library-related identification and processing.<\/p>\n
Still, an LCCN is not a marketing tool or a sign of literary quality. It does not guarantee sales, library orders, reviews, or inclusion in the Library of Congress collection. Authors should treat it as one publishing detail rather than a promise of wider distribution.<\/p>\n
Is a Library of Congress Control Number Mandatory?<\/h2>\n
No, an LCCN is not a universal requirement for publishing a book. Many books are published without a preassigned LCCN, and authors do not need one simply to release a title. Whether it is useful depends on the book, its publication plans, and its eligibility for the program.<\/p>\n
An LCCN is different from an ISBN<\/strong><\/a>. An ISBN identifies a specific edition or format of a book for commercial and distribution purposes. An LCCN identifies a bibliographic record associated with a book.<\/p>\nIf you plan to approach libraries, you may want to understand the LCCN process before finalizing your book. However, do not assume that every library requires one. Individual libraries can use their own cataloging procedures and may create local records for books they acquire.<\/p>\n
The Library of Congress also does not promise to add every book with a preassigned LCCN to its permanent collection. Selection staff make that decision after receiving the published book and reviewing it under the institution\u2019s collection policies.<\/p>\n
Who Is Eligible to Get an LCCN for a Book?<\/h2>\n
Eligibility is one of the most important parts of the process. The Library of Congress\u2019s Preassigned Control Number program is not open to every author worldwide. Its rules focus on eligible books scheduled for publication in the United States.<\/p>\n
According to the Library of Congress, authors and self-publishers applying through the author process must meet the program\u2019s U.S. requirements. These include a U.S. place of publication on the title page or copyright page and a U.S. address. The eligibility guidance also requires a reachable U.S. phone number for bibliographic questions.<\/p>\n
The book itself must meet the program\u2019s scope rules. It generally needs to be a forthcoming print book intended for publication in the United States. Already published books and books available only as e-books are not eligible for a preassigned number through this program.<\/p>\n
The Library of Congress also excludes certain categories, including serials, custom editions, and some short or consumable materials. Some exceptions apply to specific categories, so authors should check the official scope page before applying.<\/p>\n
Can Authors Outside the United States Apply?<\/h2>\n
Authors based outside the United States should review the eligibility requirements carefully before starting an application. The program requires the relevant U.S. publication details and contact information. Living outside the United States does not automatically mean an author can meet those requirements.<\/p>\n
For example, an author in Pakistan who plans to publish a book locally should not assume the U.S. program will accept the title. The author should first confirm whether the book and publication arrangement meet the Library of Congress rules. An international audience alone does not establish eligibility.<\/p>\n
Read the official Library of Congress eligibility guidance<\/a> <\/strong>before preparing an application. If your book does not qualify, you can still publish it and explore cataloging options through libraries that acquire it.<\/p>\nHow to Get a Library of Congress Control Number<\/h2>\n
Eligible authors and self-publishers can request an LCCN through the Library of Congress\u2019s PrePub Book Link system. The process starts with an author account and continues with a request for a forthcoming book. Follow the official instructions because the requirements may change.<\/p>\n
Step 1: Confirm That Your Book Qualifies<\/h3>\n
Before creating an account, review the eligibility and scope requirements. Confirm that your book will be published in the United States and meets the program\u2019s rules. Check its format, publication status, and category.<\/p>\n
This step can save time if your book is already published or exists only as an e-book. Those titles are outside the program\u2019s stated scope. Do not proceed based on assumptions about eligibility.<\/p>\n
Step 2: Create an Author Account<\/h3>\n
Visit the PrePub Book Link page<\/a> <\/strong>and use the author portal for self-publishers and authors. The Library of Congress allows eligible authors to create an account and submit requests without waiting for publisher-account approval.<\/p>\nMake sure the information you provide is accurate and consistent with your planned publication details. You may need to refer to your final title, author name, publisher information, and publication plans. Keep these details available before completing the request.<\/p>\n
Step 3: Submit Your LCCN Request<\/h3>\n
Once your account is ready, follow the system\u2019s instructions to submit an LCCN request. Provide the information requested for your book and check every entry before submitting it. Incorrect details can create confusion or require changes later.<\/p>\n
The Library of Congress reviews the information and assigns a number according to its process. Its FAQ states that most LCCN requests take one to two weeks, although busy periods can extend processing times. Apply well before publication rather than waiting until your book is ready for release.<\/p>\n
Step 4: Check the Number and Publication Details<\/h3>\n
After receiving the number, review it carefully and keep the confirmation with your publishing records. Make sure the number corresponds to the correct title and planned edition. If any details change, follow the Library of Congress\u2019s instructions for submitting a change request.<\/p>\n
Do not use a provisional number if your request is rejected. The Library of Congress explains that a provisional LCCN is not valid after rejection. Always confirm that the number you intend to print is valid.<\/p>\n
Step 5: Add the LCCN to Your Copyright Page<\/h3>\n
If the Library of Congress assigns your book a valid preassigned number, print it on the back of the title page. This page is commonly called the copyright page. The Library of Congress gives the following format:<\/p>\n
Library of Congress Control Number: 2019012345<\/strong><\/h4>\nThe number above is an example of the format, not a number to use in your book. Insert the actual number assigned to your title. Check the final page proof before approving the book for printing<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\nStep 6: Send the Required Book Copy<\/h3>\n
Authors and publishers who participate in the program must send a copy of each book for which they receive an LCCN. The Library of Congress states that this copy should be sent immediately after publication. Participants who fail to meet this obligation may face suspension from the program.<\/p>\n
Review the current mailing instructions on the Library of Congress website before sending your copy. Books submitted under this requirement become the property of the Library of Congress and cannot be returned. Keep a record of your shipment for your own files.<\/p>\n
How Much Does a Library of Congress Number Cost?<\/h2>\n
The Preassigned Control Number program does not charge a fee for assigning an LCCN. Eligible authors and publishers can request the number through the official system without paying the Library of Congress for the number itself.<\/p>\n
However, preparing a book for publication may involve other costs. You may pay for editing, cover design, printing, ISBNs, or distribution services. These are separate publishing expenses and should not be confused with the LCCN request.<\/p>\n
Be cautious of websites that make the process sound more complicated than it is or imply that you must pay the Library of Congress for a number. Read the official instructions first and confirm what a service actually provides before purchasing assistance.<\/p>\n
![\"Preassigned](\"https:\/\/nybookpublishers.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Cozy-Library-Cataloging-Desk-300x200.png\")
<\/p>\n
What Is the Difference Between an LCCN and an ISBN?<\/h2>\n
An LCCN and an ISBN identify different things. An ISBN identifies a particular edition or format of a book, while an LCCN identifies the bibliographic record associated with a book. Authors should not treat them as interchangeable.<\/p>\n
What Is a Library of Congress Control Number?<\/h2>\n
A Library of Congress Control Number<\/strong><\/a>, commonly called an LCCN, is a unique number linked to a book\u2019s bibliographic record. The Library of Congress assigns these numbers to help identify and manage records for books in its catalog. Librarians can use them to locate the correct record in library databases.<\/p>\n A bibliographic record contains information about a book, such as its title, author, publisher, and publication details. This information helps libraries identify a specific work and manage their collections. The LCCN serves as a reference number for that record.<\/p>\n For example, imagine you publish a nonfiction book<\/strong><\/a> about business leadership. A librarian researching your title may need accurate information to identify the correct edition. An LCCN can help the librarian locate its associated catalog record when one is available.<\/p>\n However, an LCCN does not mean the Library of Congress has purchased or approved your book. The number supports cataloging and identification. Library staff still decide which books to add to their collections.<\/p>\n LCCN stands for Library of Congress Control Number. You may also see people call it a Library of Congress number or a Library of Congress catalog number. These terms generally refer to the same identification number.<\/p>\n The Library of Congress distinguishes an LCCN from a Preassigned Control Number, or PCN. An LCCN is associated with a bibliographic record, while a PCN is an LCCN assigned before publication through an eligible program.<\/p>\n This difference matters when you prepare your book for publication. Authors usually request a preassigned number before releasing an eligible title. The number can then appear on the book\u2019s copyright page.<\/p>\n An LCCN can make it easier for libraries and book professionals to identify a book\u2019s catalog record. It may support cataloging and other book-processing tasks when libraries obtain the title. For eligible authors, requesting one can be a useful part of preparing a print book for distribution.<\/p>\n Self-published authors<\/strong><\/a> often manage tasks that traditional publishers handle internally. These tasks may include arranging an ISBN, preparing the copyright page, checking distribution options, and organizing publication details. Understanding the LCCN process helps authors decide whether to include it in their publishing plans.<\/p>\n Consider an author preparing a business book for release in the United States. The author plans to approach bookstores, libraries, and professional groups after publication. If the title meets the program\u2019s requirements, a preassigned LCCN may help with library-related identification and processing.<\/p>\n Still, an LCCN is not a marketing tool or a sign of literary quality. It does not guarantee sales, library orders, reviews, or inclusion in the Library of Congress collection. Authors should treat it as one publishing detail rather than a promise of wider distribution.<\/p>\n No, an LCCN is not a universal requirement for publishing a book. Many books are published without a preassigned LCCN, and authors do not need one simply to release a title. Whether it is useful depends on the book, its publication plans, and its eligibility for the program.<\/p>\n An LCCN is different from an ISBN<\/strong><\/a>. An ISBN identifies a specific edition or format of a book for commercial and distribution purposes. An LCCN identifies a bibliographic record associated with a book.<\/p>\n If you plan to approach libraries, you may want to understand the LCCN process before finalizing your book. However, do not assume that every library requires one. Individual libraries can use their own cataloging procedures and may create local records for books they acquire.<\/p>\n The Library of Congress also does not promise to add every book with a preassigned LCCN to its permanent collection. Selection staff make that decision after receiving the published book and reviewing it under the institution\u2019s collection policies.<\/p>\n Eligibility is one of the most important parts of the process. The Library of Congress\u2019s Preassigned Control Number program is not open to every author worldwide. Its rules focus on eligible books scheduled for publication in the United States.<\/p>\n According to the Library of Congress, authors and self-publishers applying through the author process must meet the program\u2019s U.S. requirements. These include a U.S. place of publication on the title page or copyright page and a U.S. address. The eligibility guidance also requires a reachable U.S. phone number for bibliographic questions.<\/p>\n The book itself must meet the program\u2019s scope rules. It generally needs to be a forthcoming print book intended for publication in the United States. Already published books and books available only as e-books are not eligible for a preassigned number through this program.<\/p>\n The Library of Congress also excludes certain categories, including serials, custom editions, and some short or consumable materials. Some exceptions apply to specific categories, so authors should check the official scope page before applying.<\/p>\n Authors based outside the United States should review the eligibility requirements carefully before starting an application. The program requires the relevant U.S. publication details and contact information. Living outside the United States does not automatically mean an author can meet those requirements.<\/p>\n For example, an author in Pakistan who plans to publish a book locally should not assume the U.S. program will accept the title. The author should first confirm whether the book and publication arrangement meet the Library of Congress rules. An international audience alone does not establish eligibility.<\/p>\n Read the official Library of Congress eligibility guidance<\/a> <\/strong>before preparing an application. If your book does not qualify, you can still publish it and explore cataloging options through libraries that acquire it.<\/p>\n Eligible authors and self-publishers can request an LCCN through the Library of Congress\u2019s PrePub Book Link system. The process starts with an author account and continues with a request for a forthcoming book. Follow the official instructions because the requirements may change.<\/p>\n Before creating an account, review the eligibility and scope requirements. Confirm that your book will be published in the United States and meets the program\u2019s rules. Check its format, publication status, and category.<\/p>\n This step can save time if your book is already published or exists only as an e-book. Those titles are outside the program\u2019s stated scope. Do not proceed based on assumptions about eligibility.<\/p>\n Visit the PrePub Book Link page<\/a> <\/strong>and use the author portal for self-publishers and authors. The Library of Congress allows eligible authors to create an account and submit requests without waiting for publisher-account approval.<\/p>\n Make sure the information you provide is accurate and consistent with your planned publication details. You may need to refer to your final title, author name, publisher information, and publication plans. Keep these details available before completing the request.<\/p>\n Once your account is ready, follow the system\u2019s instructions to submit an LCCN request. Provide the information requested for your book and check every entry before submitting it. Incorrect details can create confusion or require changes later.<\/p>\n The Library of Congress reviews the information and assigns a number according to its process. Its FAQ states that most LCCN requests take one to two weeks, although busy periods can extend processing times. Apply well before publication rather than waiting until your book is ready for release.<\/p>\n After receiving the number, review it carefully and keep the confirmation with your publishing records. Make sure the number corresponds to the correct title and planned edition. If any details change, follow the Library of Congress\u2019s instructions for submitting a change request.<\/p>\n Do not use a provisional number if your request is rejected. The Library of Congress explains that a provisional LCCN is not valid after rejection. Always confirm that the number you intend to print is valid.<\/p>\n If the Library of Congress assigns your book a valid preassigned number, print it on the back of the title page. This page is commonly called the copyright page. The Library of Congress gives the following format:<\/p>\n The number above is an example of the format, not a number to use in your book. Insert the actual number assigned to your title. Check the final page proof before approving the book for printing<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Authors and publishers who participate in the program must send a copy of each book for which they receive an LCCN. The Library of Congress states that this copy should be sent immediately after publication. Participants who fail to meet this obligation may face suspension from the program.<\/p>\n Review the current mailing instructions on the Library of Congress website before sending your copy. Books submitted under this requirement become the property of the Library of Congress and cannot be returned. Keep a record of your shipment for your own files.<\/p>\n The Preassigned Control Number program does not charge a fee for assigning an LCCN. Eligible authors and publishers can request the number through the official system without paying the Library of Congress for the number itself.<\/p>\n However, preparing a book for publication may involve other costs. You may pay for editing, cover design, printing, ISBNs, or distribution services. These are separate publishing expenses and should not be confused with the LCCN request.<\/p>\n Be cautious of websites that make the process sound more complicated than it is or imply that you must pay the Library of Congress for a number. Read the official instructions first and confirm what a service actually provides before purchasing assistance.<\/p>\n An LCCN and an ISBN identify different things. An ISBN identifies a particular edition or format of a book, while an LCCN identifies the bibliographic record associated with a book. Authors should not treat them as interchangeable.<\/p>\nWhat Does LCCN Stand For?<\/h2>\n
Why Does a Self-Published Book Need an LCCN?<\/h2>\n
Is a Library of Congress Control Number Mandatory?<\/h2>\n
Who Is Eligible to Get an LCCN for a Book?<\/h2>\n
Can Authors Outside the United States Apply?<\/h2>\n
How to Get a Library of Congress Control Number<\/h2>\n
Step 1: Confirm That Your Book Qualifies<\/h3>\n
Step 2: Create an Author Account<\/h3>\n
Step 3: Submit Your LCCN Request<\/h3>\n
Step 4: Check the Number and Publication Details<\/h3>\n
Step 5: Add the LCCN to Your Copyright Page<\/h3>\n
Library of Congress Control Number: 2019012345<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Step 6: Send the Required Book Copy<\/h3>\n
How Much Does a Library of Congress Number Cost?<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nWhat Is the Difference Between an LCCN and an ISBN?<\/h2>\n