NOTE: This document is superseded effective January 2008 by the Federal Depository Library Handbook. To find the most recent current information go to the new URL located at: <http://www.fdlp.gov/handbook/index.html>.
Chapter 19 of Title 44 of the U.S. Code is the authority for the establishment and operation of the Federal Depository Library Program. The legal responsibilities of Federal depository libraries fall into two broad categories: 1. Providing for free public access to Government information. 2. Providing for the proper maintenance of the depository materials entrusted to the individual depository's care. These two areas touch on nearly every aspect of library operations. The Instructions to Federal Depository Libraries have been issued in order to give more specific guidance on these areas.
NOTE: Updated to address security concerns in depository libraries - see Chapter 7, Public Service, Section A, Access.
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