From Chapter 4: Public Services

The Federal Depository Library Program was established to provide the residents of the United States with access to government information. Public access to this information remains the highest priority of all Federal depository libraries.

Your depository library has a fundamental obligation to provide free public access to depository information resources and to minimize other barriers to public access to the library’s depository facilities, collections, and services.

In general, access to and services in the use of depository information resources should equal or exceed those applicable to your other library collections and services.

Your depository library MUST offer the general public free access to online Federal Government information provided through the FDLP. Such access shall be provided to any library user free of fees or other restrictions such as age or residency status.

Filtering software may restrict access to official FDLP information, for example in the health or biological sciences fields. Therefore, the depository library MUST allow users the option to use workstations without filtering software or have the capability of turning off the filter while searching FDLP information resources.

If your library provides reference services using methods other than in-person contact for your primary user groups (such as through phone, mail, fax, email or chat), these same or comparable methods of obtaining reference service should also be available to members of the public using the depository collection and government information.

Your depository library should have a written policy regarding public services for government information in electronic formats that includes provisions for no-fee access to electronic government information in tangible format and on the Internet for all users. Signage throughout the library and other library policies MUST be in accordance with these policies.

Your depository library has the option of establishing its own circulation policies for use of depository materials outside the library. However, the principle of comparable treatment in public services of depository and non-depository collections should be used in determining circulation policy for depository materials.

The general public MUST be able to access your depository’s collections and services outside standard business hours if the library’s primary clientele is able to do so. Comparable service to both depository and non-depository materials can be provided through the integration of depository services into an overall reference policy to ensure assistance is available at all times.

Your depository library SHALL post signage or the depository emblem in a prominent location, preferably visible from the exterior of the library, indicating that your library is a Federal depository and that government information resources and services in the use of those resources are available from your library for your primary users and the general public without charge.

Remember the FDLP logo should also be placed in a prominent location on your library web site or web pages. This informs online users that your library is a Federal depository and that government information resources and services in the use of those resources are available at your library or through the Web.