5.16 Secondary Copies/Duplicates

• Only the first copy of a publication is considered the depository copy and subject to the retention guidelines. The depository copy MUST be discarded according to the procedures set forth in this Handbook. Secondary copies are defined as depository materials which are duplicates (including reprints), superseded (including preprints), unrequested publications sent from GPO by mistake, or the depository holdings of the highest appellate court of the state libraries.
• Your library has the option of offering secondary copies to the regional library or on statewide discard lists, if the regional library so desires. All depository libraries should offer any secondary publications of value through the national Needs and Offers list which allows for material to be made available to any FDLP participant. Placing secondary depository copies on the Needs and Offers list makes the best use of Government publications for the benefit of all depository libraries.
• After this procedure has been followed to its conclusion, your library is then free to offer these depository materials to any public library or educational institution in the vicinity. Failing to find such a recipient after reasonable effort, your library may dispose of or recycle the various Government information products in all media at its discretion.