PURL Access Issues Update

A small number of depository libraries have recently experienced problems with access to electronic resources within the Catalog of U.S. Government Publications (CGP). GPO has identified the source of the problem, which is related to the adoption of a new protocol called Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC).

The end result is that internet service or network providers that have adopted the DNSSEC will not resolve links whose websites are not configured for DNSSEC. This includes retired domains that are unable to validate and confirm what the security system is requiring.

GPO Actions:

To address this, GPO has identified two actions to be performed:

1. GPO staff have been redirecting PURL targets from retired server names to the new server name. This has been completed for two servers. All PURL content remains accessible, and no content has been lost.

Content residing on retired servers:	Is now located on:
permanent.access.gpo.gov	permanent.fdlp.gov
FRwebgate.access.gpo.gov	govinfo.gov

We continue to work with GPO IT to redirect the final server, purl.access.gpo.gov. However, we do not have a date for when that will be completed.

2. PURL prefixes found in catalog records in the CGP were also updated. Libraries affected by the adoption of DNSSEC will need to address this in their local catalog in the future.
Content residing on retired servers:Is now located on:permanent.access.gpo.govpermanent.fdlp.govFRwebgate.access.gpo.govgovinfo.gov

Manual Fixes:

If a user is blocked from content, manually fixing the PURL prefix (see below) will direct the user to the content.

We apologize for the inconvenience. GPO staff members are working hard to make the necessary updates.