What is the Federal Depository Library Program?
Every day the U.S. Government issues congressional bills, laws, regulations, presidential documents, studies, and other documents on a variety of topics. The Federal Depository Library Program (44 U.S.C. § 19), administered by the U.S. Government Publishing Office, was established by Congress in 1813 to ensure that the American public has access to Government information in depository libraries throughout the U.S. and its territories. Members of Congress may designate up to two qualified libraries.
Where Can I Find a Depository Library?
You can visit and use free of charge the collections at any of our Nation’s 1,150 Federal depository libraries. Locate a Federal depository library near you.
What Resources Will I Find at a Depository Library?
With a network of librarians to provide expert reference assistance and facilitate access to materials located at other libraries, you will find:
- information on health, careers, business opportunities, the military, science, technology, travel, nutrition, and more
- books, maps, microfiche, journals, and periodicals
- access to digital Government information resources
- historical publications dating back to the early days of the United States
Federal depository libraries collaborate with one another to provide a vast array of unique historical and current Federal documents and they carry a collection of basic titles available for immediate use. See the Depository Library Spotlight where the specialized services and unique collections of a different library is highlighted every month.
Contact
For more information, contact the Federal Depository Library Program at 202.512.1119 or submit an askGPO inquiry at https://ask.gpo.gov.
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