Chapter 1 - Federal Depository Library Status
A. FDLP
B. Designation
C. Termination Procedure
D. Additional Information
A. Federal Depository Library Program
The Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) originated in the early 1800's when a joint resolution of Congress directed that additional copies of the House and Senate Journals and other documents be printed and distributed to institutions outside the Federal establishment.
From that small beginning, the FDLP has grown into a system of nearly 1,350 Federal depository libraries. These libraries include many of the most prestigious libraries in the country as well as smaller local libraries. With few exceptions, all congressional districts and territories of the United States have at least one Federal depository library.
B. Designation
The FDLP was established to provide Federal Government information products at no cost to designated depository libraries. Depository libraries, in turn, provide local, no-fee public access in an impartial environment with professional assistance to information produced by the Federal Government. While many libraries request status as a Federal depository to benefit their primary patrons (students, judges, residents of a political jurisdiction, etc.), all libraries that receive status make a legal commitment to provide Federal Government information to all of the people of the local U.S. Congressional District or relevant region.
There are two ways in which a library can receive depository status. The first way is through designation by Members of Congress. The second is through designation by other elected or appointed Government officials for certain types of libraries for which there are special provisions in Title 44, United States Code.
Most of the libraries in the FDLP are designated by Members of Congress. Each U.S. Representative can designate up to two libraries if there are vacancies in the Representative’s congressional district. Each U.S. Senator can designate up to two libraries anywhere in the Senator’s state, if there are vacancies available.
Libraries falling under Title 44 provisions, or "by-law" libraries, include:
- Land grant college libraries;
- State libraries;
- Library of the highest appellate court of a state;
- Federal executive department libraries;
- Independent agency libraries;
- Service academy libraries;
- Accredited law school libraries; and
- Libraries specified in a special act of Congress.
The Public Printer designates libraries of land grant colleges; the library of a State’s highest appellate court, State libraries, and law school libraries. The Superintendent of Documents designates Federal agency libraries.
More detailed information can be found in the printed Designation Handbook for Federal Depository Libraries, which is available upon request from the Chief of Depository Services. It also can be found at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fdlp/pubs/desig.html.
In accepting the privilege of Federal depository library status, the library director has agreed to abide fully by the laws and regulations governing officially designated Federal depository libraries.
C. Depository Termination Procedure
The library has the right to voluntarily relinquish its depository privilege if the library finds that it cannot meet the legal obligations set forth in the Instructions and other administrative directives. After making this determination, the library should address a letter to the Superintendent of Documents stating that the library no longer wishes to be a depository for U.S. Government publications. As each depository library is served by a designated regional depository, the regional should also be notified of this decision.
Correspondence should be addressed to:
Superintendent of Documents
U.S. Government Printing Office (SD)
Washington, DC 20401
A library's depository status may be terminated by the Superintendent of Documents if the library fails to meet the requirements as set forth in the law, or consistently disregards notices and instructions, resulting in unnecessary expense to the Government in administering the program.
Upon termination of the depository privilege, either by request or for cause, the library shall request instructions from its regional depository concerning disposition of the depository publications on hand. The regional has the authority to claim whatever it wishes for its own collection or other selective depository needs in the state or region.
If the library wishes to keep certain publications that were received under the FDLP, it may request to retain them. The library must submit a list of the depository publications it wishes to keep to the regional library. A written request for permanent retention of the materials should accompany the list. Each request will be reviewed on an individual basis and the regional depository will advise the relinquishing depository of the retention decision.
D. Additional Information
Additional information concerning depository designation and/or termination procedures can be obtained by contacting:
Chief, Depository Services
U.S. Government Printing Office
Library Programs Service (SLLD)
Washington, DC 20401
Phone: (202) 512-1119
Fax: (202) 512-1432
E-mail: asklps@gpo.gov
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