Skip to main content
  • GPO
    • U.S. Government Publishing Office
    • govinfo
    • U.S. Government Bookstore
    • Ben's Guide to the U.S. Government
  • Contact Us
  • Login
FDLP
  • Collection Tools
    • Claims
    • DSIMS
    • Item Lister
    • List of Classes
    • Reporting Publications
    • FDLP eXchange
    • PURL Usage Reporting Tool
    • Shipping Lists
    • Shipping List this Week
    • WEBTech Notes
    • UNION-L
    • CGP on GitHub
    • FDLP LibGuides
  • Requirements & Guidance
    • Regulations
    • Guidance
    • Instructions
    • Collections & Databases
    • Promotion
    • FDLP eXchange Tips
  • Preservation
    • Preservation at GPO
    • Trusted Digital Repository ISO 163663:2012 Audit and Certification
  • About The FDLP
    • Superintendent of Documents
    • Federal Depository Libraries
    • Depository Library Council
    • FDLP Academy
    • Events and Conferences
    • FDLP Training
    • FDLP Events Calendar
    • Projects
    • Partnerships
    • File Repository
    • Mission & History
    • The Essential FDLP
    • Notable Numbers
    • The National Collection
  • Cataloging & Classification
    • GPO Cataloging Guidelines
    • Superintendent of Documents Classification Guidelines
    • Cataloging Record Distribution Program
    • Cataloging & Indexing
    • Catalog of U.S. Government Publications
    • Sources of GPO Cataloging Records
    • Regional Depositories' OCLC Holding Symbols to GPO Cataloging
  1. Home
  2. Promotion
  3. Access to Federal Depository Library Collections and Services
Covid students

Access to Federal Depository Library Collections and Services

  • Last Updated: February 11, 2022
  • Published: February 10, 2022

The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) is monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and its impact on Federal depository libraries.

Libraries have closured or placed restrictions on access and should continue to address their situation as appropriate. These actions are taking place for the safety of library employees and patrons.

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 adhere, for the health and safety of library staff and for those they serve, flexibility is needed during this most challenging time. For details, read the letter from Superintendent of Documents.

For libraries that are closed:

  • Depository libraries will not be required to provide access to their collections when the library is closed. GPO is treating closures due to the COVID-19 virus the same as when libraries close for inclement weather, flooding, other disasters, or Federal holidays.

For libraries that are partially open:

  • Given the state of emergency, libraries may temporarily block the public’s physical access to the depository collection.

Communication

Communication is key. Libraries that are closed or have limited access to collections or services are strongly encouraged to advertise the changing access restrictions on their website and in signage visible from outside the library. Also consider putting a public note in your library’s entry in the Federal Depository Library Directory. Try to emphasize how the public may get help remotely over the phone, email, or other virtual means. Additionally, please inform GPO and your Regional Depository Coordinator.

As access to your collection or services changes, please update GPO by filling out the Library Reopening Notification. The form may be filled out as many times as needed.

FDLP shipments & claims will be held at GPO until your library indicates it can accept shipments using our reopening form.

 

covid-toolkit0covie19

All Federal depository libraries should complete this form to indicate their library’s operating status. If your library’s status changes, please complete the form again. GPO staff members are tracking this information for the purposes of resuming shipments and general communication. This will help us support you and your library effectively and efficiently.

FDLP

Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) • 732 N Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC 20401

Privacy Policy

Connect with GPO

X
  • Request new password