FAQ

Publishing with WestBow Press

What types of books are ineligible for a Library of Congress Control Number?


The Library of Congress sets strict guidelines about which books may receive a Library of Congress Control Number.

The following types of books are ineligible for Library of Congress Control Numbers:

  • Books which do not list a U.S. city as place of publication on the title page or copyright page
  • E-Books (i.e. books published in electronic format)
  • Serials
  • Custom editions
  • Items under 50 pages with the exception of genealogies and children's literature and catalog exhibitions submitted by museums and art galleries
  • Textbooks below the college level
  • Items not intended for wide distribution to libraries
  • Religious instructional materials
  • Expendable educational materials
  • Transitory or consumable materials, such as coloring books, comic books, and cut-out books.
  • Translations except Spanish
  • Music scores
  • Crossword puzzle books