Policy Regarding the Sale of Discarded Depository Material

There has been no change in policy regarding library responsibilities and procedures for the sale of FDLP materials.

A question was raised in the Spring 2011 DLC Regional meeting concerning whether there had been a change in the policy regarding library responsibilities and procedures for the sale of FDLP materials. The U.S. Government Printing Office’s General Counsel has reaffirmed that the current requirement remains in effect.

Depository libraries cannot materially or financially benefit from the disposal of depository holdings, as these materials remain the property of the U.S. Government. After following the normal withdrawal procedures, the depository materials entrusted to the depository library may be sold as publications or as waste paper. The proceeds of the sale, together with a letter of explanation, must be sent to the Superintendent of Documents. Depository materials may never be bartered for goods or services.

Consult the FDL Handbook, Chapter 5 Depository Collections, Section 5.15 for a more detailed statement of the current requirement.