How to Copyright?

The other day I had a co-worker ask me a question for her brother who is a writer. She wanted to know how to get a copyright on literary work. I was amazed that he did not think to look on the web for this information.

I gave her the www.loc.gov link but was a little ticked off that he did not do the research himself. It is good to know someone to ask questions from time to time but there is no better feeling than finding this information for yourself. This way you don't have to worry about losing it because since you have done the research this will be in your memory?

Right? Maybe that's just me.