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Depository Library Council: About
Mission | Charter of DLC | Membership | History of DLC
Mission
To assist the Government Printing Office in identifying and evaluating alternatives for improving public access to government information through the Depository Library Program (DLP) and for optimizing resources available for operating the Program.
Adopted November 1, 1993
The purpose of the Depository Library Council to the Public Printer is to provide advice on policy matters dealing with the Depository Library Program as provided in Title 44 U.S.C.. The primary focus of Council's work will be to advise the Public Printer, the Superintendent of Documents, and appropriate members of GPO staff on practical options for the efficient management and operation of the DLP.
The Depository Library Council shall be structured to provide the Public Printer with a diverse range of opinion and expertise. Additionally, it shall represent a cross section of the various types of libraries in the Depository Library Program. In order to meet this goal, at least half of the Council's members shall work in Depository Libraries and have experience in a Documents Department.
Adopted November 1, 1993
Membership
The Depository Library Council shall consist of fifteen members appointed by the Public Printer. The members shall serve three- year terms, with five members retiring each year and five new members entering. The Council shall meet a minimum of twice each year with the meetings approximately six months apart, hereafter referred to as the Spring and Fall meetings. New members shall be appointed prior to the Spring meeting and will assume duty at the Fall meeting. The Public Printer will make all appointments to Council after consideration of recommendations from Council, library associations and others as deemed appropriate by the Public Printer. Members may be appointed for additional terms.
Each fall members of the Depository Library Council shall select a Chair-elect of Council. The Chair-elect shall assume the office of Chair following the next Spring meeting. Members of Council may serve more than one term as Chair. The Chair shall preside over all meetings of Council, shall be responsible for the agendas for the Fall and Spring meetings, shall appoint such committees as necessary to carry out the duties of Council, and shall serve as direct liaison between Council and the Public Printer. In the absence of the Chair, a designee appointed by the Chair shall carry out these duties by the Chair-elect or in absence of the Chair-elect.
At the Spring meeting members of the Depository Library Council shall select a Secretary of Council. The Secretary shall assume office prior to the Fall meeting of Council. The Secretary may serve more than one term of office. It is the responsibility of the Secretary to prepare a summary report of each meeting for publication in Administrative Notes and for posting on the Federal Depository Library Council Web Site. The Secretary shall handle correspondence and other record keeping at the request of the Chair. In the absence of the Secretary, the Chair shall appoint a member of Council to serve in that capacity.
Notice of official meetings of the Depository Library Council shall be published in the Federal Register and mailed to members of Council at least 30 days prior to the meeting date. All such meetings will be open to the public.
This document may be modified by the Public Printer or by a majority vote of Council.
Adopted November 1, 1993
The Depository Library Council to the Public Printer was established in 1972 and held its first meeting in February 1973. Its antecedents date back to 1963 when seven librarians were asked by the Public Printer to serve on an advisory committee on depository libraries. The original advisory committee was formed at the recommendation of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration during its consideration of revised legislation on depository libraries. While the particular focus and role of the Council has adapted over time, its central purpose has remained constant: to advise the Public Printer and the Superintendent of Documents on matters relating to the
Federal Depository Library Program.
Over the years, the Council has offered advice and recommendations on matters relating to the indexing, classification, cataloging, distribution, format, storage, utilization and administration of depository material. Council has also advised the Public Printer on information policy issues affecting depository libraries and the Depository Library Program.
Accomplishments
- Development and ongoing revision of the Guidelines for the Depository Library System
- Development and ongoing revision of the Recommended Minimum Technical Guidelines for Depository Libraries
- Design of the Depository Library Decal
- Publication of Public Documents Highlights which later
became Administrative Notes
- Undertook the Microform Project Initiatives
- Recommended distribution of the Publications Reference File
(PRF) to Depository Libraries
- Developed a comprehensive inspection form and process for
Depository Libraries
- Participated in the Use study of Depository Libraries
- Organized Regional Depository Library Meetings
- Development and ongoing revision of the Federal Depository Library Manual
- Organized the development of the List of Superseded Depository
Documents That May be Discarded
- Participated in pilot projects for the study of electronic dissemination of
government information
- Suggests guidelines and priorities for GPO online cataloging of government
documents
- Organizes open forums for information exchange and discussion of issues
concerning the Depository Library community
- Authored the Report on Alternatives for Restructuring the Depository
Library Program
- Serves as a clearinghouse for testimonial letters and news articles
in support of depository libraries and the FDLP
- Compiled the pamphlet Federal Depository Libraries: You Source for Yesterday's,
Today's and Tommorrow's Government Information
- Compiled Fulfilling Madison's Vision: Testimonials in Support of the
FDLP
- Compiled the Handbook and Organization of the Depository
Library Council to the Public Printer
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