Every Federal depository library is required to have the titles in the "basic collection" accessible for immediate use.
These titles are vital sources of information that support the public's right to know about the workings and essential activities of the Federal Government. This list is subject to change.
Consult the guidance article on Depository Collection and Development for more information and ways to provide access to these titles within your depository library.
Two other versions of the FDLP Basic Collection are available for your use.
- FDLP Basic Collection: Core U.S. Government Resources. This FDLP LibGuide includes the titles, a description of each title, and background about the FDLP. This is intended for general public access. You may link to this resource from your website, guide, or collection-level catalog record to provide access to all titles in the Basic Collection.
- FDLP Content. The Basic Collection sections of this LibGuide include the same information as this web page and additional information. The FDLP Basic Collection page includes OCLC numbers associated with each title to facilitate identification of GPO catalog records. To support enhanced access to each title, we encourage cataloging of each title into your local catalog. About the FDLP Basic Collection summarizes the related FDLP regulation and provides more background information.
| Resource | Description | SuDocs Number | Item Number | Formats Available |
| Assistance Listings |
Provides detailed, public descriptions of Federal assistance listings available to State and local governments (including the District of Columbia); Federally recognized Indian tribal governments, Territories (and possessions) of the United States; domestic public, quasi- public, and private profit and nonprofit organizations and institutions; specialized groups, and individuals. |
GS 1.52/2: | 0559-J-21(EL) | Online Only |
| Ben's Guide to the U.S. Government | Presents educational content for the public on the workings of the U.S. Government and U.S. history, with a focus on civics. |
GP 3.39: | 0556-C-15 (EL) | Online Only |
| Budget of the United States Government | Contains the budget message of the President, information about the President's budget proposals for a given fiscal year, and other budgetary publications issued throughout the fiscal year. |
PREX 2.8: | 0853 (P) 0853-C-01 (EL) |
Print and Online |
| Catalog of U.S. Government Publications | A finding tool for publications from all three branches of the U.S. government. Updated daily, it contains descriptive records for current and historical publications and provides direct links to those online. |
GP 3.8/8-9: | 0557-F (EL) | Online Only |
| Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) | The annual edition of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by departments and agencies of the Federal Government. |
AE 2.106/3: | 0572-B-01 (EL) 0572-D-01 -- 0572-D-34 (P) 0572-D-36 -- 0572-D-50 (P) |
Online and Print. Also prev. distributed in microfiche. |
| Compilation of Presidential Documents | The official publications of materials released by the White House Press Secretary. Materials include proclamations, executive orders, speeches, statements regarding bill signings and vetoes, nominations and appointments, acts approved by the President, and press releases. |
AE 2.109/2: | 0577-A-03 (EL) | Online only |
| Congress.gov | Provides information about legislative activities, publications, and other related materials for members of Congress and the public. |
LC 1.54/2-3: | 0785-R-06 (EL) | Online only |
| Congressional Record (Note: This is the daily, not bound edition) |
The official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress, published daily when Congress is in session. |
X 1.1/A: | 0994-B-01 (EL) |
Online. Also previously distributed in print and microfiche. |
| The Constitution of the United States of America: Analysis and Interpretation | Also known as the Constitution Annotated, includes the U.S. Constitution and analysis and interpretation, with in-text annotations of cases decided by the Supreme Court of the United States. |
Y 1.1/3: | 1004-E-01 (P) 1004-E-02 (EL) |
Print and Online |
| Economic Indicators | Published monthly by the Council of Economic Advisors for the Joint Economic Committee, provides economic information on GDP, income, employment, production, business activity, prices, money, credit, security markets, Federal finance, and international statistics. |
Y 4.EC 7:EC 7/ | 0997-A (EL) 0997 (P) |
Online and Print |
| The Economic Report of the President to the Congress (Note: This is entitled Economic Report of the President in GovInfo) |
An annual report issued by the Executive Office of the President and the Council of Economic Advisors, providing on overview of economic progress, with extensive data appendices. |
PREX 1.30: | 0766-C-44 (EL) 0766-C-43 (P) |
Print and Online |
| Explore Census Data (also known as data.census.gov) | A source for population, economic, housing, and geographic information and data about the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Island areas. |
C 3.300/2: | 0154-B-64 (EL) | Online Only |
| Federal Register | The daily publication of the rules, proposed rules, and notices of Federal agencies and organizations, along with executive orders. |
AE 2.106: | 0573-F (EL) |
Online. Also previously distributed in print and microfiche. |
| GovInfo | A database providing authenticated access to official publications from all three branches of the U.S. Government. |
GP 3.43/2: | 0556-C-18 (EL) | Online Only |
| Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) |
A resource for occupational and career information, providing profiles on a majority of jobs in the United States. Profiles describe the work environment, education and training needed, a ten year outlook, and median pay for workers. |
L 2.3/4: | 0768-D-02 (EL) | Online Only |
| Official Congressional Directory (Note: This is entitled Congressional Directory in GovInfo) |
Includes biographical and directory information about members of the House and Senate, committee memberships, terms of service, and related content. |
Y 4.P 93/1:1/ | 0992 (P) 0992-A-01 (EL) |
Print and Online |
| Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States | Official complication of the President’s addresses, writings, and remarks. |
AE 2.114: | Ceased title but still in the FDLP Basic Collection | Previously distributed online and in print |
| Social Security Handbook | Resource for the most common questions about Social Security. |
SSA 1.8/3: | 0516-C-03 (EL) | Online Only |
| United States Code | The codification by subject matter of the general and permanent laws of the United States, divided by broad subjects into 53 titles. |
Y 1.2/5: | 0991-A-01 (EL) 0991-A (P) |
Print and Online |
| The United States Government Manual | The official handbook of the U.S. Government, providing information on the agencies from all three branches, quasi-official agencies, international organizations in which the United States participates, boards, commissions, and committees. |
AE 2.108/2: | 0577-A-01 (EL) | Online Only |
| United States Reports | Contains the final version of the opinions of the Supreme Court of the United States. |
JU 6.8: | 0741-A (EL) 0741 (P) |
Print and Online |
| United States Statutes at Large | Contains the permanent laws enacted during each session of Congress. |
AE 2.111: | 0576-A (EL) 0576 (P) |
Online and Print |
| USA.gov | A subject-based portal to Federal services and resources online. A Spanish site is also available. |
GS 1.40: | 0559-J-02 (EL) | Online Only |
Additional information
- Many catalog records include more than one PURL. The links from this page connect to the most current content. Review each catalog record for additional links.