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The Commerce Research Library, part of the Office of the General Counsel is in the Herbert C. Hoover Building (HCHB) in Washington, DC. We provide access to databases, books, training opportunities, and presentations that support the ongoing work of Department employees. The historic Reading Room is a beautiful and welcoming physical space available for quiet work and events. While mainly serving HCHB, we provide all Commerce staff select database and training resources. Additionally, bureau-specific libraries listed below have collections and services that support their bureau-specific staff.
Request an account (except PTO) to access available databases, news resources, and recordings of trainings and presentations. Most database access is limited to HCHB staff and ITA & OIG staff regardless of location. However, all regional staff have access to Lexis and Westlaw. PTO staff should work with the PTO libraries for database access and additional resources.
Members of the public are not eligible for database access.
The print and ebook collections are only available to staff in the Herbert C. Hoover Building (HCHB) in Washington, DC. If you are a member of the public, you may request print materials via interlibrary loan only.
Staff stationed in HCHB can check availability to reserve the Reading Room (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays only) for their meetings and presentations.
The Department of Commerce was originally created as the US Department of Commerce and Labor on February 14, 1903. It was subsequently renamed the Department of Commerce on March 4, 1913, as the bureaus and agencies specializing in labor were transferred to the new Department of Labor. As the Federal government grew and evolved, other bureaus were transferred to and from the Commerce Department, giving it a rich history and unique role in the Cabinet.
Explore DOC's rich history in our DOC History Collection, which includes From Lighthouses to Laserbeams: A History of the US Department of Commerce (1988), and our other Digital Exhibits.
Hours: M - F, 8am to 4:30pm
Source: Library of Congress
Meadville, Pa. ; New York, N.Y. ; Chicago, Ill. ; London, England : Keystone View Company, Manufacturers and Publishers, 1935.
Monday to Friday
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed on Federal Holidays
General Public - by appointment only
library.doc.gov
An official website of the U.S. Department of Commerce
