Library of Congress

Cataloging Distribution Service

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About CDS

The Cataloging Distribution Service (CDS) distributes and markets Library of Congress cataloging records and cataloging-related tools and resources. We distribute cataloging data in web-based and ftp-delivery formats. Catalogers within the Library of Congress and in libraries throughout the world rely on the standards and technical publications distributed by CDS to organize library collections for effective access.

The Cataloging Distribution Service operates on a cost-recovery basis and is a business unit of the Office of Business Enterprises at the Library of Congress. Other business units include Duplication Services and The Library of Congress Shop. Business Enterprises is an efficient means for the Library of Congress to make its resources available to the public through high-quality products at affordable prices.

We encourage you to explore our web site— Product Categories is a good place to start. We also invite you to join our News listserv so you can get product alerts in a timely way.