Download the Virtual Poster Gallery Profiles handout.
U.S. Reports Collection Highlights
- Sarah Guthrie, Digital Conversion Specialist, U.S. Government Publishing Office
- Christy McCall, Digital Conversion Specialist, U.S. Government Publishing Office
- Mia Steinle, Digital Conversion Specialist, U.S. Government Publishing Office
This poster includes highlights of the new U.S. Reports collection on GovInfo and features for searching the collection. Several different case types (both famous and unusual) from different eras are discussed. Illustrations of GovInfo search features and a brief discussion of the digitization process are also included.
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Enhancing Research and Innovation
Raquel Estrada, Acquisitions and Collection Development Librarian, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley University Library
The UTRGV University Library, at both the Edinburg and Brownsville campuses, has been officially designated as a Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC) by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This designation marks a significant milestone, opening new doors for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship across UTRGV and the entire Rio Grande Valley. This poster is designed to celebrate and promote this exciting development by highlighting benefits to the RGV community, spotlighting the PTRC Libguide, and sharing details about the grand opening events.
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Transforming Government Information
Jennifer Castle, Librarian for Human and Organizational Development, Vanderbilt University Peabody Library
Dominique Hallett, Government Information and STEM Librarian, Arkansas State University Dean B Ellis Library
This poster explores the Federal Depository Library Program’s (FDLP) digital transformation and its impact on libraries and public access to government information. It summarizes the history of the FDLP, insights from the Government Publishing Office (GPO) Task Force Report, and stakeholder interviews. The digital transition presents opportunities to expand access but raises challenges, including preserving physical materials, addressing expertise loss, the digital divide, and disaster preparedness. While the shift to a digital FDLP is necessary, the authors emphasize the importance of careful planning and collaboration to ensure equitable access and the preservation of government information for all.
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View this Video and Transcript.
Highlighting U.S. Government Information at Libraries
Suzanne Reinman, Library Professor and Documents Librarian, Oklahoma State University Edmon Low Library
As a democracy, citizens need information to make informed decisions. It is part of the Constitution; the framers considered this to be very important.
“A popular Government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy; or, perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance: And a people who mean to be their own Governors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.” (The Writings of James Madison, 1822, p. 103)
Federal Depository Libraries can promote government information sources in addition to their websites by:
- Including government websites and sources in their libraries' database listings
- Promoting FDLP webinars on institutional calendars
- Highlighting current efforts for alternative data sources
U.S. Government information is defined as “Informational matter which is published as an individual document at Government expense, or as required by law.” 44 USC 1901
Government information can cover nearly any topic, can be used by any citizen, includes almost every type of information: historical documents, maps, statistics and datasets, scientific papers. It is:
- Primary source data
- Authoritative
- Covers all subject areas, is a part of all curriculums
- Gives a national perspective
- Includes statistical data
- Is without copyright and is free
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Government Documents in the Original Library of the University of Mississippi, 1849-1858
Ashley Dees, Associate Head of Research and Instruction Services, The University of Mississippi Libraries J.D. Williams Library
Leigh McWhite, Political Papers Archivist, The University of Mississippi Libraries J.D. Williams Library
The University of Mississippi’s Original Library Collection (OLC) dates from the library’s creation in 1849 through 1858 when the first published catalogue appeared. Using this source, all surviving volumes were identified over the past two years and gathered together for a permanent display. Although UM did not become a federal depository library until 1883, the OLC demonstrates that such volumes were present on campus prior to the Civil War. Dated notations in some of the books, document their direct transmission from public officials as early as 1852. Although the university did not purposely select the majority of these volumes, the 1858 catalogue clearly valued government publications, granting them precedence as the first listed subject categories. Several of the works directly supported the specific scientific interests of the faculty, and the government publications significantly enhanced the amount of American history present in the OLC.
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Access, Inquiry, Dialogue: Reimagining Government Publications in Exhibits
Abigail McCoy, Director of Access and Discovery, Louisiana State University, Shreveport Noel Memorial Library
This poster session showcases how Noel Memorial Library has incorporated government publications into public exhibits to promote civic literacy and engagement. Government documents—often overlooked in academic settings—offer rich, authoritative insights into the legal, cultural, and historical dimensions of key societal issues. By showcasing how government documents can illuminate complex social issues, this poster encourages librarians and educators to rethink their use of these underutilized resources by delving into the planning and execution of two exhibits at LSUS, “Freedom to read: Banned Books and Constitutional Rights” and “Read with Pride!”. Through curated selections of challenged literature and landmark court cases, the exhibits invited visitors to reflect on the importance of access to information in a democratic society as well as tools to provide critical inquiry and public dialogue.
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Thrown into the Deep End: A New Hire’s Survival Story from their First Government Documents Event
Emily Gomez, Library Assistant I, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley University Library
New hire here—get ready for my survival story! This poster shares the real-life adventure of organizing a government documents promotional event from scratch. From digging up cool resources and designing a table that grabs attention, to partnering with fellow library staff on colorful posters and handouts—it was a fast-paced lesson in creativity, collaboration, and figuring things out as you go.
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Unlocking Access: Navigating Government Information Through Subject Guides
Lawrence Mello, Government Documents Coordinator, Florida Atlantic University S.E. Wimberly Library
Government documents represent a crucial but often underutilized resource for researchers, students, and the public. This presentation explores how subject guides serve as effective tools in unlocking access to these extensive government information resources. By organizing complex and diverse materials into accessible, themed pathways, subject guides empower users to navigate and discover relevant documents with greater ease and confidence. The discussion highlights best practices in designing and promoting these guides to maximize their visibility and usability. Ultimately, subject guides bridge the gap between vast government data and user needs, enhancing research efficiency and information literacy in academic and public libraries alike.
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FDLP at the State Library of Massachusetts
Maryellen Larkin, Government Documents Reference Librarian, State Library of Massachusetts
Elizabeth Roscio, Preservation Librarian, State Library of Massachusetts
Emily Colson, Government Documents Intern, State Library of Massachusetts
This poster highlights the methods which the Massachusetts State Library's Government Documents Department has used to promote its Federal Documents Collection in FY 2024-2025. These outreach efforts have included blogs, social media, and onsite exhibits. We are excited to share how we have been using and caring for the documents we have received through the FDLP over the years.
** Special thank you to Alyssa Persson (Processing Archivist), Jessica Shrey (Legal Research Reference Librarian), and April Pascucci (Legislative Reference Librarian) for your feedback and suggestions!
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FDLP.gov Enhancements: New Descriptive Pages for Depository Tools
David Isaak, User Support Librarian, Library Services and Content Management, U.S. Government Publishing Office
Alicia Kubas, Supervisory Outreach Librarian, Library Services and Content Management, U.S. Government Publishing Office
There are a variety of tools that depository libraries utilize to manage their operations. To enhance usability, Library Services and Content Management staff refreshed the content and applied a consistent template to the webpages found under the Depository Tools menu on FDLP.gov. Each page now includes a general introductory section about the tool, training resources, and a sidebar focused on login information and assistance. The project team utilized a collaborative "sprint" method to quickly draft and rewrite page content, provide feedback as a team on content and organization, and consult with subject matter experts across LSCM as needed. The depository tool webpages are now more focused on the depository audience and their needs, and as a result, LSCM has seen a reduction in askGPO inquiries about login information.
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