Government documents received through the GPO/Federal Depository
Library Program come in three forms:
Print materials are fully cataloged and assigned LC classification call numbers. They are shelved throughout the NAL collection in the general stacks. Searching AGRICOLA will give the locations of these publications.
Microfiche materials are filed by Superintendent of Documents
number in under the call number Fiche S-133. For example, the Farmer's
Bulletins in microfiche can be found at the following call number:
Fiche S-133 A 1.9:[the bulletin number].
Electronic materials are fully cataloged. Searching AGRICOLA will give the location or URL of specific electronic publications.
Who within NAL can help me with government documents?
Because the GPO depository documents are integrated into the NAL
collection, the responsibilities for handling the depository collection are
distributed throughout the staff of NAL.
See Request Library Materials for information regarding photocopies or loan of depository documents. For on-site users, you may speak to the staff at the Service Desks.
Selection of GPO depository material is handled by the Acquisitions
& Serials Branch.
For information on NAL's profile of selections with GPO, contact
the Acquisitions & Serials Branch. (301)504-5938 or (301)504-6806
How are government documents selected for the NAL collection?
GPO maintains a profile of selected items for each of its
depository libraries. Additions to NAL's profile can only be made during the
normal selection update process which opens at the beginning of June and
closes at the end of July. The changes are effective at the beginning of
October. Deletions to NAL's profile can be made at any time. NAL selects
about 40% of what GPO offers to depository libraries. Selections include all
the the "A" classification (U.S. Department of Agriculture publications),
and the publications of other government agencies which fit the NAL collection
development policy.
How can I tell if NAL selects a particular publication from GPO?
Search the Documents Data Miner 2 under "Depository Selection and Directory". NAL is depository 0092.
Does NAL provide access to GPO's electronic database services?
Yes. NAL provides web access to GPO Access, STAT-USA and other government databases through the NAL Web site or onsite.
GPO Access is an electronic service that provides access to a growing list of databases including full text and graphics.
STAT-USA is produced by the Economics
and Statistics Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce. This service brings together current business and economic information from
over 50 Federal agencies, including the National Trade Data Bank; the
National Economic, Social and Environmental Data Bank; and the
Economic Bulletin Board.
