The Public Access Assessments program fulfills GPO’s responsibility to conduct “firsthand investigations of conditions” at individual depository libraries. (44USC§1909) Scheduled assessments for individual depository libraries are being planned for winter, 2009. GPO may conduct individual library assessments at any time upon request or as need is determined. Please see Request for GPO Participation to make a request.

Public Access Assessments emphasize how Federal depository libraries serve the general public Federal government information needs by reviewing how they provide access to and services for their Federal Government information products. Public Access Assessments have a different focus than the library operations review conducted through inspections, Self-Studies and Biennial Survey submissions in the past. Designed to be a more concise review, Public Access Assessments are directed towards FDLP legal and program requirements and have a special emphasis on 44 USC §1911, which states that “depository libraries shall make Government publications available for the free use of the general public”. Federal depository libraries following the requirements shall be successful in a Public Access Assessment. In the upcoming months, GPO will provide libraries with a self-assessment resource for voluntary self-educational or strategic planning use.

Resources

Council Session: Public Access Assessments (Spring 2008)

Council Session: Public Access Assessments: Focus on Access, Collections, and Service (Fall 2007)