Library of Congress archives every public tweet.

Library of Congress…

The Library of Congress (LOC) embarked on an ambitious project in 2010 to archive all public tweets from Twitter, aiming to preserve this emerging form of communication for future research and historical reference. However, due to various challenges, the LOC revised its approach in 2017.

“Ready to be shocked? Start scrolling 👇”

🕰️ Origins of the Twitter Archive

In April 2010, Twitter granted the LOC access to its entire archive of public tweets dating back to the platform’s inception in 2006. The goal was to document the rise of social media and its impact on society. By 2013, the LOC had amassed approximately 170 billion tweets, encompassing over 300 terabytes of data. Despite this vast collection, the archive remained largely inaccessible to researchers due to technical limitations, with a single search taking up to 24 hours to complete Public Libraries Online.

🔄 Shift to Selective Archiving

Recognizing the challenges posed by the sheer volume of tweets and the evolving nature of the platform, the LOC announced in December 2017 that it would cease comprehensive archiving of all public tweets effective January 1, 2018. Instead, the LOC would adopt a more selective approach, focusing on tweets of significant historical or cultural value, such as those related to elections or public policy .The Library of Congress+4The New Yorker+4Smithsonian Magazine+4 Politico

📚 Current Status and Access

The LOC’s archive of tweets from 2006 to 2017 remains preserved but is not publicly accessible due to ongoing challenges related to privacy, copyright, and technical constraints. The LOC continues to explore solutions to make this collection available to researchers in a cost-effective and sustainable manner .First Monday+3The Library of Congress+3The Library of Congress+3

🧠 Implications and Reflections

The LOC’s experience underscores the complexities of archiving digital content in the age of big data. The initial endeavor highlighted the importance of preserving digital communications but also revealed the limitations of existing infrastructure and resources. As digital platforms continue to evolve, institutions like the LOC must adapt their strategies to effectively capture and preserve the digital record for future generations

Here are 5 popular and significant books preserved and celebrated by the Library of Congress, representing a mix of American history, literature, and cultural impact:

“Enjoyed these facts? We’ve got even more! 👉 Tap here

📖 1. The Declaration of Independence (Thomas Jefferson, 1776)

Not a “book” in the traditional sense, but one of the most treasured documents in the LOC.
The LOC holds Jefferson’s handwritten draft with edits by Benjamin Franklin and John Adams.

📖 2. The Federalist Papers (Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay)

A collection of 85 essays promoting the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
A cornerstone of American political thought.

📖 **3. Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe (1852)**

This anti-slavery novel fueled abolitionist movements and changed the course of American history.
One of the most influential books of the 19th century.

📖 **4. Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman (First published 1855)**

A defining work of American poetry.
The LOC has multiple early editions, including the one Whitman personally sent to Emerson.

📖 **5. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (1951)**

A modern classic frequently requested and studied.
Part of the LOC’s broad collection of 20th-century American fiction.

“Which fact surprised you the most? Share with friends or drop a comment below!”