Solberg attended public schools, working for booksellers after graduation in Manitowoc, Boston, Detroit, Knoxville, and Omaha.

While there, he played an active role in the direction and control of the Library's copyright registration and deposit functions.

He remained in that position until he left the Library altogether in 1889 to work for the Boston Book Company.

[1] After being interviewed by President William McKinley, Solberg was appointed by Librarian of Congress John Russell Young and took office as the first Register of Copyrights on July 22, 1897, with an annual salary of $3000 and a staff of 29 clerks.

[2] During his tenure as Register, Solberg played an active role in advancing United States copyright law.