What Is an LCCN? (And Why Most Self-Published Authors Don’t Need One)

You've seen those "Library of Congress Control Number" lines on copyright pages. Maybe you've wondered if your book needs one. Maybe someone told you it would help get your book into libraries.

Here's the short version: probably not, and it won't.

An LCCN is a cataloging tool for librarians, not a sales tool for authors. It doesn't open doors to library shelves. It doesn't add credibility with readers. For most self-published authors, especially those selling primarily through Amazon, it's irrelevant to your success.

But "irrelevant" isn't the same as "worthless." For certain books and certain goals, an LCCN makes sense. The key is understanding what it actually does so you can make an informed decision rather than chasing something that won't help you.

What an LCCN Actually Is

LCCN stands for Library of Congress Control Number. It identifies the catalog record that the Library of Congress creates for a book, not the book itself. When librarians see an LCCN, they can pull standardized cataloging data from national databases instantly. This saves them the work of manually entering title, author, subject classifications, and other bibliographic details. That's it. That's what it does.

The distinction from an ISBN matters here. Your ISBN identifies your book commercially. It's required for retail distribution, and each format (paperback, hardcover, ebook) needs its own. An LCCN identifies a catalog record. It's optional. One covers the work regardless of format. You need an ISBN to sell books. You don't need an LCCN for anything unless you're specifically targeting the Library of Congress.

Here's what most authors don't realize: having an LCCN doesn't mean your book is "in" the Library of Congress. Most self-published books that receive LCCNs get suppressed records, invisible in the public catalog. According to Caroline Saccucci, the Library of Congress's CIP Program Manager, only about 60% of self-published submissions are selected for the permanent collection. The Library of Congress has specific collection priorities, and if your book doesn't fit them, that control number on your copyright page is mostly decorative.

When an LCCN Actually Matters

The Library of Congress actively collects certain categories of self-published work:

• Genealogies
• Local histories
• Veterans' histories
• War memoirs
• Personal accounts of military campaigns
• Works about the Washington D.C. area
• Immigrant and refugee stories
• Dissidents' memoirs
• Materials in Native American languages
• Award-winning self-published fiction and poetry
• Works demonstrating unique regional or subject expertise

If your book fits these categories, an LCCN is worth considering. The Library of Congress wants these materials and will likely add your book to the permanent collection. Your work becomes part of the national record. That's meaningful.

If your book doesn't fit, the picture changes. Generic commercial fiction, romance, thrillers, most self-help... the Library of Congress has stated plainly that it "usually rejects self-published books except for genealogies, local histories and other publications of special interest." An LCCN application for a paranormal romance or cozy mystery is likely wasted effort.

Some authors want an LCCN because it feels official. That's not unreasonable. But readers don't check copyright pages, and the number itself signals nothing about quality. If prestige is the goal, professional reviews and awards carry more weight with both readers and industry gatekeepers.

The Library Myth

The most common misconception about LCCNs is that they help get books into libraries. They don't. Libraries don't check for LCCNs when deciding what to buy. An ISBN alone makes your book orderable through their systems. The LCCN only matters after a library has already decided to acquire your book, and only because it saves their cataloging staff some data entry time.

What actually gets self-published books into libraries? Professional reviews from trade publications like Kirkus, Library Journal, Booklist, and Publishers Weekly. Amazon and Goodreads reviews don't count here. Librarians rely on industry review sources to vet quality, and self-published books without professional reviews face an uphill battle.

Availability through library wholesalers matters too. Ingram is now the dominant supplier after Baker & Taylor's closure in late 2024. This doesn't mean you need IngramSpark specifically. Amazon KDP's Expanded Distribution, Lulu's Global Distribution, and other platforms feed into Ingram's network. If your book is available through one of these channels, libraries can order it.

Beyond that, patron requests drive purchases more than any catalog number. Readers asking for your book at their local library is the most reliable way to get shelved. Local author status helps in many systems, as libraries often maintain local author collections with lower barriers to entry. And professional production quality signals that your book belongs alongside traditionally published titles. Editing, cover design, and interior formatting that doesn't scream amateur all matter more than an LCCN.

The honest assessment: if libraries are genuinely part of your strategy, focus on reviews, distribution terms, and direct outreach to acquisition librarians. The LCCN is, at best, a minor professional touch. At worst, it's a distraction from what actually moves the needle.

The Bottom Line for POD Authors

For most self-published authors using print-on-demand services, LCCNs are not a priority. Your readers are finding you through Amazon, social media, your email list, BookTok. Libraries represent a small fraction of self-published book sales, and an LCCN doesn't improve your odds there anyway.

The exceptions exist. If you're writing nonfiction with clear archival value, local history, genealogy, memoir with historical significance, or children's books with genuine library potential, an LCCN might fit your goals. Research the requirements and whether your publishing setup qualifies before investing time in the process.

For everyone else, your energy is better spent elsewhere. A professionally designed cover sells books. Clean, error-free interior formatting keeps readers from bouncing. A compelling book description converts browsers to buyers. Reviews, both professional and reader-generated, build the social proof that drives discovery. Strong keywords and well-chosen categories make your book findable.

These basics drive sales. An LCCN does not.

The LCCN exists to serve librarians, not authors. It's a cataloging convenience, not a marketing tool or credibility badge. For certain books with clear library and archival appeal, it's worth pursuing. For most self-published titles, it's a footnote.

Know what it is. Know what it isn't. And spend your energy on what actually reaches readers.