Task Force Recommends a Digital Federal Depository Library Program

WASHINGTON —The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) Director Hugh Nathanial Halpern earlier this year appointed a Task Force on a Digital Federal Depository Library Program (“Task Force”) to determine the feasibility of a digital Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP). The Task Force has released its report, which recommends the FDLP move to a digital program. Should Director Halpern accept the Task Force recommendations, GPO will start planning for implementation and continue to engage with stakeholders.

Feasibility of a Digital Federal Depository Library Program: Report of the GPO Director's Task Force:

https://www.fdlp.gov/file-repository-item/feasibility-digital-federal-depository-library-program-report-gpo-directors

“To the members of the Task Force, thank you for your hard work this year,” said GPO Director Hugh Nathanial Halpern. “This is a critical issue for the public, our library partners, and GPO, and the Task Force has delivered a serious and thorough report. I am looking at the Task Force’s recommendations and will provide feedback in the early part of 2023.”

What you need to know about the FDLP Task Force Report:

  • The Task Force recommends that the FDLP can and should move to a digital program.
  • Should Director Halpern accept the Task Force recommendations, planning and engagement with stakeholders are the next steps.
  • GPO would map out transition and training plans.
  • FDLP will distribute print materials to select libraries as long as Federal agencies request that GPO print their publications.
  • Print copies will continue to satisfy Legal and Statutory requirements.
  • Tangible materials will remain in libraries as part of the National Collection.
  • Retention requirements for tangible formats remain unchanged.
  • The Task Force recommends that GPO expand partnerships with Federal agencies to add more digital content into GovInfo and the Catalog of U.S. Government Publications (CGP).

The Task Force is comprised of 23 members representing the Depository Library Council, the Depository Library Community, Federal Agencies, and library associations.

Member Roster: Task Force on a Digital Federal Depository Library Program | FDLP

GPO has been working with the library community since the 19th century to provide the American people free access to Federal Government information. The partnership continues today with more than 1,100 libraries who hold tangible parts of the National Collection. Even as the collection becomes more digital, GPO’s Preservation Steward partners continue to preserve valuable print collections of Government information.

GPO is the Federal Government’s resource for publishing trusted information for the Federal Government to the American people. The GPO is responsible for the production and distribution of information products and services for all three branches of the Federal Government, including U.S. passports for the Department of State as well as the official publications of Congress, the White House, and other Federal agencies in digital and print formats. GPO provides for permanent public access to Federal Government information at no charge through www.govinfo.gov and partnerships with approximately 1,100 libraries nationwide participating in the Federal Depository Library Initiative. For more information, please visit www.gpo.gov.

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