Pre-Assigned Control Number (PCN) Program

Take advantage of the Pre-assigned Control Number (PCN) program so the Library of Congress can provide your book's control number before its publication. The Pre-assigned Control Number (PCN) can streamline the cataloging and processing of your work for libraries and booksellers. It facilitates the creation of a bibliographic record for your literary piece, which can be linked to records created by other entities. Take advantage of the PCN program to make your publishing process smoother and more efficient.

  • Only authors within the U.S. are eligible for the Pre-assigned Control Number (PCN).

Disclaimer: Except for the items listed below, books published within the United States will be accepted.

  • Serials
  • Music scores
  • Most microforms
  • Custom Versions
  • Mass market paperbacks
  • Below college level textbooks
  • Any religious instructional items
  • Unnecessary educational items
  • Transient expendable materials
  • Books that are published already
  • Language interpretations excluding Spanish
  • Single articles reissued from publications and other serials
  • Video materials including mixed media and computer software
  • Books that are not intended for extensive distribution to libraries
  • Books published in electronic format such as E-books and the like
  • Books for which cataloging in publication data has been, or will be requested
  • Title or copyright page showing that the book was not published within the U.S. area
  • Books that contain 50 pages excluding genealogies, children’s books, and catalog exhibitions sent to museums or art galleries