Limited Print Distribution Framework

  • Last Updated: May 01, 2025
  • Published: November 09, 2023

The Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) has moved to a digital program, with a focus on delivering permanent no-fee public access to digital content for people seeking U.S. Government information. Beginning in February 2024, the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) began distributing to libraries using a limited print distribution model. This model acknowledges the different print-format needs and requirements of the National Collection Service Areas (NCSAs). Cost savings on printing, postage, and processing will allow GPO’s Library Services & Content Management (LSCM) to increase investment in digital content management initiatives that serve Federal depository libraries (FDLs) and patrons’ Government information needs.

Print Distribution Titles (PDT) List

 The Print Distribution Titles (PDT) list consists of titles that continue to be distributed in paper format.

  • Unlimited distribution titles: currently 10 titles distributed to any library that wants a copy.
  • Limited distribution titles: distributed to either 20 or 50 depository libraries, depending on the title.

 The PDT list will change over time, for example, if a publishing Federal agency discontinues a title or determines a title is only to be available as a digital publication.

Special Selection Offers (SSOs)

Under the Limited Print Distribution framework, SSOs provide libraries with the opportunity to receive non-PDT publications with an inherent value in tangible format. Possible characteristics for titles offered as SSOs include:

  • No digital version available
  • Monograph or monographic series
  • General or military history
  • Particular geographic interest
  • Language of an underserved population
  • Children’s publications
  • Historically significant current events
  • Reprints of major historical documents

Publications received through the SSO process become part of the library’s depository collection. The access and retention requirements applied are the same as those for other tangible materials distributed to depository libraries.

 SSOs are announced in FDLP News Alerts. Each contains a link to a form that must be completed to request an SSO title. LSCM will ensure that least one copy of an SSO is sent to each of the NCSAs. Preservation Stewards for SSO titles will also receive a copy.

 For more information on Special Selection Offers, see the SSO web page.

Print Allocations

Limited distribution titles have been allocated to designated libraries.

Federal depository libraries receiving limited distribution titles agree to special requirements.

Limited distribution selectors must:

  • Follow the 44 U.S.C. § 1911 requirement to retain receipts for five years and also agree not to supersede or electronically substitute during that time.
  • Commit to offer nationally in FDLP eXchange if weeding after the five-year retention commitment is met.
  • Commit to catalog and make all print receipts discoverable via the library’s integrated library system (ILS) to support interlibrary loan or in-library access to the print format.

 A Print Distribution Dashboard displays libraries that are currently selecting any of the paper format titles being distributed through the FDLP. Data may be downloaded in spreadsheet format.

National Collection Service Area (NCSA) Steering Committees

Four NCSA steering committees have been established for the purposes of:

  • Facilitating discussion and collaboration among the Federal depository libraries.
  • Increasing opportunities for collection flexibilities and management.
  • Increasing the collaborative possibilities for depository library administration (e.g., training, resource sharing).
  • Coordinating NCSA-wide planning.

 Each steering committee communicates through their NCSA distribution list. The depository coordinator in each depository library should be subscribed to the distribution list for their NCSA.

Limited Print Distribution & Preservation Stewards

GPO has prioritized obtaining Preservation Steward agreements for titles found on the Print Distribution Titles List. If you would like to volunteer your library to be a Preservation Steward  for any title, SuDoc class, or subject area, please reach out to LSCM via askGPO. Select the category, ‘Other depository library question or issue.’

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