|
| Free access to the resources of the depository
collection by the general public is a fundamental obligation that
all Federal depository libraries share (except the highest State Appellate
Court libraries). Access policies, posting of signs, and public service
hours for depository patrons must conform to this requirement. |
|
|
| |
|
| One of the most important responsibilities of the documents
coordinator is to build the depository collection. A majority of libraries
that are designated depositories have, as their primary mission, a
commitment to serve a particular patron group (student, judges, etc.).
While these libraries focus collection development most closely on
the needs of their primary patrons, the Government information needs
of the general public must not be ignored. |
|
|
| |
|
| Every depository library should have one person who is
designated as the coordinator who serves as a point of contact for
GPO. This person should communicate with and respond to requests from
GPO as necessary and ensure that the library's entry in the database
is correct. |
|
|
| |
|
| While the transition to a more electronic Federal Depository
Library Program has expanded the information resources available to
depositories, it has also provided challenges to those who administer
depository collections and provide service. To provide guidance and
to ensure access to all Government information, it is sometimes necessary
to issue new policies and guidelines. |
|
|
| |
|
| These resources provide suggestions for workable solutions
to the day-to-day challenges of administering a depository operation
and providing service in an ever-changing environment. The contents
are not meant to prescribe methods of operation but rather offer options
to be adapted the needs of your library. |
|
|
| |
|
| Public service begins with public awareness. Depository
promotion needs to extend to all potential user groups. This includes
library staff, primary clientele, and citizens of the U.S. Congressional
district or relevant region. Depository outreach into the surrounding
communities should be ongoing. Any activity that increases the visibility
of the depository, its resources and its services is encouraged. |
|
|
| |
|
| The basis for the inspection program lies in 44 U.S.C.
§ 1909, which requires the Superintendent of Documents to conduct
investigations of depository libraries "where need is indicated".
The self-study process was implemented to aid in this process while
providing librarians an opportunity to critically review their depository
operations. |
|
|
| |
|
| GPO encourages cooperation among depositories, but
it is especially important that there be a good working relationship
between selectives and their regional depository librarian. Among
the areas in which Regionals play an active role are the designation
and termination of depository status, inspections, electronic substitution
of publications and disposal of materials. |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| Sample policies may be found
at the GODORT
Handout Exchange. The Handout Exchange web site is sponsored by
the Education Committee of the Government Documents Round Table, American
Library Association and maintained by Grace York, Documents Coordinator,
University of Michigan. |
| |
