This section contains advice on how to comply with the FDLP regulations. Guidance is based on broad topics and articles may reference multiple regulations.
Transitioning depository collection to an all online depository
This article will outline the steps your depository library can take if you wish to change your existing collection footprint and item selection profile to become a depository that provides access only to online formats in the future. Libraries should note that after deselecting all tangibles, it ma...
Access to Collections
In a letter sent to all Depository Coordinators, Superintendent of Documents Laurie Hall addressed questions concerning access to Government resources as libraries reopen. Recognizing that local jurisdictions and parent institutions may have specific guidance to which depository libraries must adher...
All or Mostly Online Federal Depository Libraries
Current and new depository libraries are able to focus on the provision of access to online resources. Current depositories must address their holdings in all formats, as well strategize for the collection they want to develop in the future. New depository libraries are able to receive material in w...
Amending Your Library's Selection Profile
FDLP libraries choose materials for their libraries through selection profiles, that are the list of item numbers for specific desired content. As content and format needs of the community change, so too should the selections of government publications.
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Bibliographic Control
Bibliographic control for items in a depository collection has the greatest impact for users as it increases the exposure to and accessibility of primary resources on a wide variety of topics for information and research purposes. This article will address issues related to bibliographic control and...
Biennial Survey of Depository Libraries
The Biennial Survey of Depository Libraries is the means by which depository libraries report their conditions to the Government Publishing Office (GPO). It is administered in odd numbered years and response is required by law.
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Claims
This information has been consolidated and updated. Please go to the Claims page for the most current information.
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Depository Collection and Development
Development involves identifying needs of library users and selecting materials appropriately. Tangible and online (EL) selections, the FDLP Basic Collection, official partnerships, the Catalog of U.S. Government Publications (CGP), govinfo, and other U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) resource...
Federal Depository Library Directory and Library Addresses
The Federal Depository Library Directory provides searchable street address, contact, and other information useful to locate depositories. Shipping addresses for depository libraries are maintained in DSIMS.
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Free, Public Access
In a letter sent to all Depository Coordinators, Superintendent of Documents Laurie Hall addressed questions concerning access to Government resources as libraries reopen. Recognizing that local jurisdictions and parent institutions may have specific guidance to which depository libraries must adher...
Item Number System
Selective depository libraries in the FDLP can choose from thousands of item numbers that are assigned to U.S. Government publications by agency. The selection profile is the list of all item numbers selected by an individual library.
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Join the FDLP as a mostly online selective depository library
Libraries joining the FDLP can choose to receive a small amount of tangible material and to concentrate most of their efforts on the online depository collection. This article provides information on how to join the FDLP and emphasize an online collection.
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Join the FDLP as an all online depository library
Libraries joining the FDLP can choose not to receive any tangible material and to concentrate all of their efforts on the online depository collection. This article provides information on how to join the FDLP as an all online depository
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Keep some or all of the tangible collection and only work with new online depository material
Follow the guidance below to transition into a selective depository that only acquires online depository material for new receipts, but keeps some older tangible materials in the depository collection.
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Leaving the FDLP
A depository library has the right to voluntarily relinquish its depository status.
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Moving Collections and Other Disruptions to Service
A growing number of depository libraries are experiencing the need to move collections, either temporarily for renovation projects or permanently, sometimes to an off-site location.
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Official Communication of the FDLP
Communication between GPO and Federal depository libraries is essential. Various information resources and contact methods are available.
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Related Regulations:
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Physical Facilities and Collection Maintenance
The housing and maintenance of depository materials can greatly affect free public access. Each format has specific needs
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Processing Depository Shipments
Proper processing of depository shipments is essential to the management of a depository collection.
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Public Access Assessments (PAA)
The Public Access Assessment (PAA) is a consultative review of individual depository compliance with requirements and regulations. The PAA also focuses on information sharing to enhance access to and services for depository resources.
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Recall of Depository Material
When GPO issues a recall, libraries are legally required to withdraw, return, or destroy FDLP materials as instructed by GPO.
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Related Regulations:
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Regional Depository Libraries
Regional depository libraries provide services to the selective depository libraries in a state or multi-state region, and assist selectives in withdrawal of depository material. There may be up to two regional depositories in one state.
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Security of Library Users and Collections
Federal depository libraries need to balance the security of library collections, staff, patrons,and computer networks with the FDLP's public access requirements.
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Selective Housing Agreements (SHA)
What is a Selective Housing Agreement (SHA)?
A depository library may selectively house a portion of its depository publications or materials at other libraries or institutions, including other depository libraries and storage facilities.
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Services and Staffing at Depository Libraries
In a letter sent to all Depository Coordinators, Superintendent of Documents Laurie Hall addressed questions concerning access to Government resources as libraries reopen.
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Shipping Lists
Reviewing shipping lists is the first step in processing a depository shipment. Shipping lists record information related to the contents of a shipment box or package.
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Visibility of the Depository Library and Collection
Your library can increase public awareness of your depository status and participation in the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) by increasing the visibility of FDLP resources. This can be done by prominently displaying the FDLP library decal or by using other GPO-provided resources to help p...
Weeding a Depository Collection
Materials distributed through the Federal Depository Library Program remain Federal property and must be disposed of according to specific rules and state/regional instruction.
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Work with all formats
This article addresses the considerations for a depository library that works with both tangible and online formats in its historic and current collections.
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