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Intro to Government Information

This guide will orient patron and librarians to the types of government information available, where to find government information, and how to use government information to answer reference questions.

Transition to a Digital FDLP

To contribute to the continued evolution of the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP), in FY 2021, in response to a recommendation of the Depository Library Council (DLC), GPO Director Hugh Halpern established a Task Force to study the feasibility of a digital FDLP. The 23-member Task Force had representation from the DLC, depository libraries of different types and sizes, library associations, Federal agencies, and GPO. The work took place throughout FY 2022 and in the first quarter of FY 2023.

View the key takeaways from the Task Force on a Digital Federal Depository Library report here: https://www.fdlp.gov/sites/default/files/file_repo/fdlp-task-force-takeaways-faqs-02102023-v2.pdf

Download and view the Evolution of a Digital Federal Depository Library Program: A Brief History here: https://www.fdlp.gov/file-repository-item/evolution-digital-federal-depository-library-program-brief-history

The Print Distribution Title (PDT) List contains those titles that will continue to be distributed in print through the FDLP in quantities of 20, 50, and unlimited. You can download and view Version 2 08/30/2024 here: https://www.fdlp.gov/file-repository-item/print-distribution-title-pdt-list-version-2-08302024

Benefits and Challenges

Benefits include:

  • Increased accessibility
  • 24/7 Access

Challenge include:

  • Digital Divide - some users have limited access to digital tools or internet connectivity
  • Document formats - some documents may be in formats that are not easily downloadable or searchable