Library Services and Content Management (LSCM) consolidated and updated its various FDLP instructions and manuals into a single online publication that will continue to be updated as necessary. Known as the Federal Depository Library Handbook (FDL Handbook), the publication is a document written by and for the FDLP community. Within the Handbook, you will find legal requirements, program requirements, and guidance for depository operations. Each chapter also includes best practices, tips, and resources for library administrators.

The Federal depository community worked to consolidate and update the Instructions to Depository Libraries and the Federal Depository Library Manual (and Supplements), into the FDL Handbook. With the publication of the FDL Handbook, the Instructions and Manual are superseded.

The FDL Handbook is being developed in two phases. Phase I was the consolidation. That phase was completed with the consolidation and release of the original version in January 2008. Phase II is the development of new policies to support depository operations and the maintenance of the FDL Handbook. With release of the October 2008 version, the first update is complete. Questions about the Handbook or comments and suggestions should be submitted through askGPO (Under Federal Depository Libraries, choose sub-category Federal Depository Library Handbook. Your input is important, and it will be considered for inclusion immediately or as part of the FDL Handbook review process.

Complete Version of the Handbook

•  Complete Version of the Handbook 1.32 Mb

Individual Sections of the Handbook

•  Preface 45.63 Kb
•  Acknowledgments 40.39 Kb
•  Introduction 45.20 Kb
•  How to Interpret the Federal Depository Library Handbook 50.39 Kb
•  Chapter 1 - Library Services and Content Management (LSCM) Organization 62.37 Kb
•  Chapter 2 - Legal Requirements 74.66 Kb
•  Chapter 3 - Federal Depository Status 78.48 Kb
•  Chapter 4 - Public Services 383.92 Kb
•  Chapter 5 - Depository Collections 244.15 Kb
•  Chapter 6 - Technical Services 103.80 Kb
•  Chapter 7 - Public Access Assessments 62.37 Kb
•  Chapter 8 - Preservation 81.81 Kb
•  Chapter 9 - Housing 121.18 Kb
•  Chapter 10 - Staffing 100.35 Kb
•  Chapter 11 - Collaborative Efforts 98.31 Kb
•  Chapter 12 - Regional Services 134.84 Kb
•  Chapter 13 - Transitioning Depository Libraries 109.08 Kb
•  Chapter 14 - Disaster Preparedness and Recovery 138.50 Kb
•  Chapter 15 - Federal Libraries 66.21 Kb
•  Appendix A: Suggested Core Collections by Library Type 239.13 Kb
•  Appendix B: Important for Library Administrators 65.59 Kb
•  Appendix C: Important for Map Librarians 74.59 Kb
•  Appendix D: Sample Selective Housing Agreement 46.62 Kb
•  Appendix E: Acronyms, Abbreviations, & Glossary 121.28 Kb
•  Appendix F: Change Control Log 48.57 Kb

Previous Editions Archive

•  Original FDLP Handbook 2.12 Mb

Documents Superseded by the Federal Depository Library Handbook Include:

Instructions to Depository Libraries Revised 2000

Federal Depository Library Manual (and Supplements):

• Appendix A, Suggested Core Collection Annotated for Public (P), Academic(A), and Law Libraries (L)
• Supplement, Collection Development (Sept. 1994)
• Supplement 2, Guidelines for the Federal Depository Library Program, (Rev. Feb. 1996)
• Supplement 3, Self-Study of a Federal Depository Library (Rev. Sept. 1999)

Overview of "The Federal Depository Library Handbook"

• Module 1 - (covers: Description of the Federal Depository Library Handbook, Purpose and Reasons why the Handbook was developed, Process for Development of the Handbook, Table of Contents and Format for each Chapter).
  
  
• Module 2 - (covers: Preface, Acknowledgements, Introduction, How to Interpret the FDL Handbook, and Chapters 1-8).
  
  
• Module 3 - (covers: Chapters 9-15; and Appendices A-E:  Core Collections, Acronyms, For Library Administrators (NEW); Selective Housing Agreement, Important for Map Librarians (NEW)).