[pmoriarty]

They didn't have to limit their release just to bibliographic index files. If they wanted to, they could have released manuscripts, letters, newsletters, videos, or any other media they have. But they may have felt inhibited by copyright laws.

So my question is, had copyright laws not been an issue, how much more would they have released?

There is also the larger question of whether the value of copyright law outweighs the value of not having it, so that everyone can benefit from this treasure trove of knowledge.

[AndrewUnmuted]

I don't think these records meet the standard definition of 'media' anyway. This is really just data that can be used for cataloguing purposes and other media custodian/librarian applications.

Given that the LoC has made it their goal to archive at least one copy of everything, I think they are not quite the right people to fall into your anti-copyright cross hairs. However, I do strongly agree with your overall premises.

[gjjrfcbugxbhf]

I don't think the op has anything against the LoC. More like they are lamenting that the LoC has its hands tied.