Open to the Public
| Hours: | The library is open to the public by appointment only. Please send request for appointment by emailing publications@usccr.gov. Appointment request should be sent at least 7 working days in advance of desired appointment. Appointments will be available Monday thru Friday, 10 am to 4 pm. The library is closed on weekends and Federal Holidays. |
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| Address: | Publications Office U.S. Commission on Civil Rights 1331 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20425 |
| Telephone: Facsimile: Publications: E-Mail: |
202-376-8110 202-376-7597 202-376-8128 publications@usccr.gov |
The Robert S. Rankin National Civil Rights Library at the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights was established in 1960. It assists the Commission in fulfilling its mission of researching, factfinding and reporting on those matters relating to discrimination or denial of equal protection of the laws under the Constitution because of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability or national origin, or in the administration of justice.
The library is named after Robert S. Rankin, who served as a Civil Rights Commissioner and was a distinguished political scientist and an authority on constitutional history.
The Robert S. Rankin National Civil Rights Library has an extensive collection which contains a large variety of books, directories, encyclopedias, journals, magazines, reports, microforms, and videos. It covers subjects such as campus tensions, persons with disabilities, discrimination, education, the elderly, housing, racism and women's issues. The collection includes Commission publications, specifically known as statutory reports, clearinghouse reports, hearing, consultation, and conference reports and state advisory committee reports.
Since 2005, the Commission has been working in partnership with the U.S. Government Printing Office and the Thurgood Marshall Law Library at the University of Maryland to provide access to the historical records of the Commission. This partnership offers scholars an opportunity to examine the efforts of the Commission more closely. Information about this partnership and accessing Commission historical records through the University of Maryland is located at Thurgood Marshall Law Library.
The library is an information source for Commission staff, government agencies, private organizations, and individuals worldwide.
All items in the collection must be used in the library.
Internet access is available to the public, at no cost, with a time restriction of 30 minutes per user per day.
Our Catalog of Publications, which lists all Commission titles currently in print, can also be sent to you at your request.
Publications produced by the Commission on Civil Rights are free to the public and may be requested by calling our Publications telephone request number, 202-376-8128, by facsimile, 202-376-7579, or by e-mail at publications@usccr.gov. Any written requests should be sent to the address above.
Libraries Provide Education, Information, Recreation