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Public Access to Electronic Government Information Provided Through Federal Depository Libraries
[ Originally published in Administrative Notes, v. 17, #7 - 5/15/96 ]
The Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) is in a period of transition, during which more and more Government information products are being provided to depository libraries in electronic formats. These electronic Government information products may be in a tangible, physical format, such as CD-ROMs, or they may be accessible only from an electronic Government information service, such as GPO Access. Every depository is expected to be able to offer public access to electronic information made available through the FDLP.
Background
The "Guidelines for the Federal Depository Library Program" were issued as Federal Depository Library Manual Supplement 2 and distributed to all depository libraries on February 28, 1996. Paragraph 7-8 of the "Guidelines" states that: Appropriate hardware and software must be provided for public users accessing electronic information available through the Federal Depository Library Program (e.g. CD-ROMs, on-line databases, etc.). This hardware and software should include computer work stations capable of providing Internet access that requires GILS-aware software, CD-ROM readers, and printers. This functional statement regarding electronic information access will become a FDLP requirement effective October 1, 1996. A related article in this issue, "Recommended Minimum Specifications for Public Access Work Stations in Federal Depository Libraries," describes a single work station capable of meeting this requirement.
Inspection Criteria
During a depository library inspection, LPS will use a functional approach to determine compliance with this requirement. The LPS inspector will focus on the depository library's ability to provide public access to electronic FDLP information. The method selected by the depository library to meet this public access requirement is a local determination. For example, public access to Government information provided via the Internet may be provided either through mediated searches, or by allowing members of the public to use depository library work stations on their own. In making such decisions, depository librarians should bear in mind the "rule of thumb" that services associated with FDLP information products should be at the same level as those accorded to products which are purchased for the library's collection.
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