101. Census Atlas of the United States

The U.S. Census Bureau has published the Census Atlas of the United States. The new Atlas is an authoritative reference work that paints a fascinating and dynamic portrait of the American nation. It includes more than 700 full-color maps derived from 210 years of official Census data. The Atlas interprets population and housing data through maps organized by: States Counties Cities of more than one million Major metropolitan areas of more than 4 million GPO will distribute the Atlas to all libraries in the Federal Depository Library Program. SuDocs class: C 3.205/8-3:29Item no. 0556-C (All libraries)Shipping List 2008-0017-SShipping List Date: February 26, 2008 Copies of the Atlas are now available for purchase from the U.S. Government Bookstore. 2007: 314 pp. Illustrated.Stock Number: 003-024-09058-9ISBN: 9781587690105Price: $ 165.00

Thursday, 13 March 2008 | 3 hits

102. Reminder: Update Your FDLP Library Directory Entry - New Passwords Required for Depository Access to STAT-USA

In an effort to strengthen security and re-emphasize depository responsibilities in using this important service, STAT-USA, with assistance from LSCM, will assign new passwords. The assignment of new passwords is expected to occur during the end of January, 2009. This change should be seamless and Depository libraries should expect a minimum of downtime in accessing the service. The new passwords will be e-mailed from STAT-USA to the depository coordinator based upon the record in the Federal Depository Library Directory (FDLD) during the last week of January. All depository libraries are asked to review and update their contact information, paying particular attention to email addresses, in the Federal Depository Library Directory (FDLD) to ensure efficient distribution of new passwords. You are asked to review this information and update it by January 23, 2009. Questions concerning this action may be directed to askGPO using the category of Federal Depository Libraries and sub-category of passwords. In 2001, STAT-USA(r) and the Government Printing Office (GPO), under a written agreement, partnered to provide Federal Depository Libraries with complimentary access to the STAT-USA signature online service, STAT-USA(r)/Internet(tm). In 2003, access to USA Trade(r) Online was included in the data offering. Access is provided for two single-designated workstations within each library using IP-authentication or passwords. If your depository has IP authenticated access, this action does not apply to you. However, those using passwords to access STAT-USA must comply. STAT-USA/Internet, a product of STAT-USA within the Department of Commerce, is an extensive collection of U.S. economic and financial data, international trade statistics, and market research reports. STAT-USA/Internet combines information from over 35 different federal agencies and trusted private sources to create this expansive database with over 290,000 reports. For ease of use, it is divided into two main areas: State of the Nation (SOTN) and GLOBUS & NTDB. USA Trade Online is collaboration between STAT-USA and the U.S. Census Bureau's Foreign Trade Division, USA Trade Online is the official source for U.S. Export and Import Statistics. USA Trade Online features current and historical export and import data on more than 18,000 export commodities and 24,000 import commodities worldwide. Depository libraries may access USA Trade Online by using the same ID and password that is used for STAT-USA/Internet. If not previously submitted, depository libraries may be asked to register for STAT-USA/Internet and USA Trade Online by submitting the account validation form and agreeing to the terms of use. The user must be in the library to access the database, and libraries must protect the user ID and password. USA Trade Online is only accessible from two workstations within the depository. Libraries that have purchased site licenses for STAT-USA/Internet but not USA Trade Online may still use the depository user ID and password for access to USA Trade Online, as long as they observe the usage restrictions for depository use for the database.

Friday, 09 January 2009 | 12 hits

103. New Passwords Required for Depository Access to STAT-USA

In an effort to strengthen security and re-emphasize depository responsibilities in using this important service, STAT-USA, with assistance from LSCM, will assign new passwords. The assignment of new passwords is expected to occur during the second full week of January, 2009. This change should be seamless and Depository libraries should expect a minimum of downtime in accessing the service. The new passwords will be e-mailed from STAT-USA to the depository coordinator based upon the record in the Federal Depository Library Directory (FDLD). All depository libraries are asked to review and update their contact information, paying particular attention to email addresses, in the Federal Depository Library Directory (FDLD) to ensure efficient distribution of new passwords. You are asked to review this information and update it by January 9, 2009. Questions concerning this action may be directed to askGPO using the category of Federal Depository Libraries and sub-category of passwords. In 2001, STAT-USA® and the Government Printing Office (GPO), under a written agreement, partnered to provide Federal Depository Libraries with complimentary access to the STAT-USA signature online service, STAT-USA®/Internet™. In 2003, access to USA Trade® Online was included in the data offering. Access is provided for two single-designated workstations within each library using IP-authentication or passwords. If your depository has IP authenticated access, this action does not apply to you. However, those using passwords to access STAT-USA must comply. STAT-USA/Internet, a product of STAT-USA within the Department of Commerce, is an extensive collection of U.S. economic and financial data, international trade statistics, and market research reports. STAT-USA/Internet combines information from over 35 different federal agencies and trusted private sources to create this expansive database with over 290,000 reports. For ease of use, it is divided into two main areas: State of the Nation (SOTN) and GLOBUS & NTDB. USA Trade Online is collaboration between STAT-USA and the U.S. Census Bureau’s Foreign Trade Division, USA Trade Online is the official source for U.S. Export and Import Statistics. USA Trade Online features current and historical export and import data on more than 18,000 export commodities and 24,000 import commodities worldwide. Depository libraries may access USA Trade Online by using the same ID and password that is used for STAT-USA/Internet. If not previously submitted, depository libraries may be asked to register for STAT-USA/Internet and USA Trade Online by submitting the account validation form and agreeing to the terms of use. The user must be in the library to access the database, and libraries must protect the user ID and password. USA Trade Online is only accessible from two workstations within the depository. Libraries that have purchased site licenses for STAT-USA/Internet but not USA Trade Online may still use the depository user ID and password for access to USA Trade Online, as long as they observe the usage restrictions for depository use for the database.

Tuesday, 23 December 2008 | 10 hits

104. GPO Announces New Partnership with GAO

The U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to provide permanent public access to the GAO Reports and GAO Comptroller General Decisions databases that are available on the GAO Web site. The GAO Reports database contains reports on audits, surveys, investigations, and evaluations of Federal programs conducted by GAO. The content in this database dates back to 1970 and earlier. The Comptroller General Decisions database contains decisions and opinions issued by the Comptroller General in areas of Federal law such as appropriations, bid protests, and Federal agency rulemaking. It also contains historic material dating back to 1970. GAO is actively working on digitizing its legacy collection so historic material will continue to be added to the two databases. The content contained in the GAO Reports and Comptroller General Decisions databases is currently duplicated on GPO Access. With a partnership to ensure permanent public access to the content on the GAO Web site, this duplication is no longer necessary. GPO will maintain archives of both databases as they were at the time the agreement was signed, but no new content will be added to the GPO Access versions of these databases. This agreement will eliminate duplication of effort on these databases, as well as minimizing version control issues. Under the partnership agreement, if for any reason GAO is not able to provide access to these materials, GPO will resume the responsibility. GPO and GAO have a long history of collaborating to provide the Federal depository library community and the public with access to GAO materials. GPO looks forward to continuing this productive relationship with the new partnership.

Thursday, 11 December 2008 | 4 hits

105. Banking & Economic Data Available through FRASER Partnership

A new Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) partnership between the U.S. Government Printing Office and the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis has been established to provide public access to content in the Federal Reserve Archival System for Economic Research (FRASER) service. The FRASER service, developed by the Research Division of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, provides scanned images of historical economic statistical publications, releases, and documents. The underlying purpose of FRASER is to provide complete data series presented in preliminary, revised, and final releases. The documents included are limited to government documents focused on national banking and economic data, ranging from 1896-1955 Banking Statistics to 1948-2005 Economic Indicators. Many of the publications were originally distributed to depository libraries through the FDLP. The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis will continue to update the FRASER service and fill in missing documents as they become available. Access the FRASER service. GPO will provide a back-up site for archival copies of certain digital preservation masters.

Wednesday, 20 April 2005 | 3 hits

106. National Needs & Offers List Partner Search

The University of North Dakota, Chester Fritz Library partnership agreement with GPO for the support of the National Needs & Offers list will end in July 2005. In preparation for the ending of this partnership, GPO is working to develop a database that will provide a GPO administered National Needs & Offers service. In order to prevent any lapse in service, GPO is seeking a new partner to temporarily continue to provide this valuable service for the Depository Library community. GPO will need the interim partner to provide this service for a minimum of 6-9 months.

Friday, 06 May 2005 | 3 hits

107. PACER Access

In 2007, GPO and the Administrative Office of the United States Courts undertook a pilot to provide free public access to Federal court records at 17 Federal depository libraries through Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER), an electronic public access service that allows users to obtain case and docket information from Federal Appellate, District and Bankruptcy courts, and the U.S. Party/Case Index via the Internet. The pilot has been suspended, pending an evaluation. Once the evaluation is complete, the judiciary and the GPO will determine what steps need to be taken in order to move forward. The pilot is part of GPO's efforts to increase public access to government information as well as the judiciary's continuing effort to expand public access to court records.

Friday, 26 September 2008 | 5 hits

108. Access to the Homeland Security Digital Library

GPO and the Naval Postgraduate School are pleased to announce their recent partnership to provide access to the Homeland Security Digital Library (HSDL). HSDL is a database of over 50,000 non-classified Presidential directives, policy and national strategy documents, as well as specialized resources related to Homeland Security. Additional information about HSDL is contained in a presentation by Greta Marlatt at the Fall 2007 Federal Depository Library Conference. Prior to this partnership, HSDL was only available to Federal, state, and local government officials; research institutions; and the U.S. Military. All Federal depository libraries are now eligible to add HSDL to their item selection profiles. Academic and Federal agency libraries will have the option of gaining access through IP authentication. All other depositories will be eligible for access via a password. A validation form must be signed by your library director and faxed to GPO at 202-512-2300 before you receive access to HSDL. Once verified, your library will receive instructions on how to set up an account from GPO. The validation form is available from the FDLP Desktop. By faxing the signed form, your library has agreed to the terms on the form, which include: Login information is for library staff only and should not be given to patrons. You may not allow organizations outside your library to connect to HSDL using your account and password via your library's computer network.

Tuesday, 03 June 2008 | 3 hits

109. List of Federal Agency Internet Sites Partnership Renewed

GPO is pleased to announce the renewal of its partnership with the Troy H. Middleton Library of Louisiana State University through 2010. Originally signed in 2001, this partnership provides for Federal depository library access to the List of Federal Agency Internet Sites Web site.  Based on the U.S. Government Manual, the List directs users to the Web sites of active Federal agencies, and can be searched in several ways. Users can view a hierarchical or an alphabetical list of all agencies. The agencies are also listed by broad category, such as boards/commissions, legislative, and quasi-official. The entire list is searchable by agency keyword as well. GPO thanks Louisiana State University for their efforts to maintain this valuable resource, and looks forward to continuing this successful partnership with the University.  

Wednesday, 02 July 2008 | 7 hits

110. Census 2000 Partnership Renewed

GPO is pleased to announce the renewal of its partnership with the Kelvin Smith Library of Case Western Reserve University and the Census Bureau through 2011. Originally signed in 2002, this partnership provides permanent public access to the mirror site of Census 2000 ASCII text files on the Case Western Reserve University Web site. These files are used to load large amounts of data from census tables into other applications such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), database management programs or statistical analysis systems. GPO thanks Case Western Reserve University for their efforts to maintain this valuable resource, and looks forward to continuing this successful partnership with the University and the Census Bureau.

Wednesday, 02 July 2008 | 4 hits

111. Browse Topics Redesign

GPO and Oklahoma State University (OSU) are pleased to announce that a redesign of the Browse Topics Web site is underway. This redesign continues GPO's and OSU's successful partnership to create topical pathfinders to electronic Federal Government information GPO and Oklahoma State University (OSU) are pleased to announce that a redesign of the Browse Topics Web site is underway. This redesign continues GPO's and OSU's successful partnership to create topical pathfinders to electronic Federal Government information. The new Browse Topics Web site: includes an updated list of topical pathfinders grouped by subject allows users to search by keyword across all topics increases opportunities to contribute listings to a topic by eliminating the need to code the entries in HTML GPO and OSU would like to thank all those who took the time to review the beta version of the redesigned Browse Topics Web site and complete the usability survey. The results have been very helpful as we continue working on the redesign. Those interested in checking on the progress of the redesign can continue to access the beta version. Additional topics have been populated with entries and OSU will be working with contributors to add even more entries to the site. As the site is still in beta, we ask that you do not post the URL to any electronic discussion lists. Those interested in becoming Browse Topics contributors are encouraged to complete the "Apply to Contribute" form, which is available under the Browse Topics Contributors link on the homepage. OSU will then contact contributors with a user name and password along with information on how to add entries to a topic. OSU has been contacting contributors in small batches with user names, passwords, and information on how to add entries to a topic. We appreciate the patience of all the contributors as we complete this process and come closer to a public release.

Wednesday, 02 July 2008 | 5 hits

112. World War II: A Digital Library

The U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) has partnered with Southern Methodist University (SMU) Central University Libraries to provide permanent public access to a digital collection of more than 300 U.S. Government publications distributed by GPO during World War II. "Giving the public permanent access to this historic digital collection is an example of GPO’s mission to make Government documents available electronically to all Americans,” said Ric Davis, Acting Superintendent of Documents. “Partnerships, such as this one with SMU, are part of GPO’s ongoing efforts to work with the library community as we move forward with GPO’s digital transformation.” The publications digitized by the SMU Central University Libraries include informational pamphlets, government reports, regulations, and instructions. The collection is accessible at http://worldwar2.smu.edu. Read the GPO press release.

Wednesday, 02 July 2008 | 5 hits

113. DOSFAN Partnership Renewed

GPO is pleased to announce the renewal of its partnership with the Richard J. Daley Library of the University of Illinois at Chicago through 2012. Originally signed in 1997, the partnership provides permanent public access to content in the Department of State Foreign Affairs (DOSFAN) Electronic Research Collection, a digital library of electronically archived information products produced by the U.S. Department of State from 1990 through 1997, which includes the archived Web sites of the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency (ACDA) and the U.S. Information Agency (USIA). GPO thanks the University of Illinois at Chicago for their efforts to maintain this valuable resource, and looks forward to continuing this successful partnership with the University.

Wednesday, 02 July 2008 | 6 hits

114. "Point of Need" Services

GPO has partnered with The University of Illinois at Chicago's (UIC) Daley Library to provide virtual reference service to the public. UIC is working with almost twenty other academic, public, and state Federal depository libraries to provide chat and e-mail service through Government Information Online: Ask a Librarian (GIO). GIO is an example of a successful collaboration and represents how depository libraries are focusing on services to provide access to government information. This service partnership is consistent with GPO's strategic direction and the Depository Library Council's vision of serving users at their point of need. GPO is interested in collaborating with other depository libraries to provide "point of need" access to Federal information. If you would like to propose such a partnership, please submit a partnership inquiry form to GPO.

Wednesday, 02 July 2008 | 5 hits

115. Cataloging and Indexing Program

The U.S. Government Printing Office manages several information dissemination programs mandated by U.S.C. Title 44; including both the Federal Depository Library Program and the Cataloging and Indexing Program. The Cataloging and Indexing Program is a “comprehensive index of public documents,” including “every document issued or published … not confidential in character.” This is derived from the statutory requirements for cataloging and indexing codified at 44 U.S.C. §§1710-1711 and 44 U.S.C. §4101(a). The goal of the Cataloging and Indexing Program is to develop a comprehensive and authoritative national bibliography of U.S. Government publications to increase the visibility and use of Government information products, and to develop a premier destination for information searchers. Historically, the national bibliography was issued as a printed catalog called the Monthly Catalog of U.S. Government Publications. In 2004, this paper publication was replaced by an online searchable catalog, the Catalog of U.S. Government Publications (CGP). The CGP contains bibliographic records for U.S. Government publications generated by GPO since July 1976. Many of the records within the CGP contain direct links to publications available online. The catalog is updated daily with new and historical publication records, making the CGP the central point for locating new and historical Government publications.

Monday, 05 January 2009 | 7 hits

116. How to Designate a Federal Depository Library

Is your library interested in becoming a Federal depository? Are you curious about how libraries get designated as Federal depositories? There are two ways to be designated as a Federal depository library. The primary way to be designated is by a Congressional designation. Each Member of Congress may designate up to two qualified libraries. Senators may designate libraries within their state if a vacancy exists for a Senator’s class. Representatives may designate libraries within their congressional districts if a vacancy exists. The second way libraries are designated is based upon special provisions of Title 44 of the United States Code. These are known as “By-Law” designations because, by law, the Public Printer of the United States and the Superintendent of Documents (both from the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO)) may designate specific libraries as Federal depositories. The Public Printer may designate, as Federal depositories, the libraries at: land-grant colleges and universities, the Highest Appellate Court of a state, accredited law schools, and state libraries. The Superintendent of Documents may designate, as Federal depositories, the libraries of Federal agencies. The Designation Handbook provides in-depth guidance regarding the designation process, including specific steps and samples of letters that may be used as templates.

Sunday, 27 July 2008 | 2 hits

117. The Biennial Survey

The Superintendent of Documents, under the direction of the Public Printer, is responsible for taking the Biennial Survey of Depository Libraries, required by 44 U.S.C. Section 1909. The Biennial Survey provides GPO with important information concerning the conditions of both individual depository libraries and the depository library program as a whole. This data is used to administer the program and to assist in the assessments of the conditions and services of depository libraries. All Depository Libraries are legally required to complete this survey. In the past the Biennial Survey data was used to supplement the information obtained by in-depth inspections of Federal Depository libraries, conducted every 3-7 years. Later inspections were replaced by GPO's evaluation of self studies submitted by depository libraries. At all times, past and present, the Biennial Survey has been an important tool to help GPO evaluate individual depository libraries and the program as a whole, either as a stand tool or as a supplement to other evaluation techniques. GPO maintains Biennial Survey information with the official records of each depository. This information should also be kept by each depository library and passed on to successive depository staff members. Likewise each Regional library can use Biennial Survey information for the depositories under their purview. Since 1997 GPO has posted the reports and data files from each Biennial Survey. GPO has developed the Biennial Survey in consultation with the Depository Library Council and comments from other members of the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) community. Recent Biennial surveys have included a more or less standard core group of questions that allows for analysis across surveys. To that core group of questions, new questions are added and/or some old question deleted as necessary for each new survey. The 2007 Biennial Survey included new questions in the area of public access, collection strengths, and specializations.

Wednesday, 30 May 2007 | 5 hits

118. Depository Library Council to the Public Printer

The Depository Library Council to the Public Printer was established in 1972 and services as an advistory committee to the Public Printer of the United States and the Superintendent of Documents. Its mission is to assist the U.S. Government Printing Office in identifying and evaluating alternatives for improving public access to Government information through the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) and for optimizing resources available for operating the Program. Over the years, the Council has offered advice and recommendations on matters relating to the indexing, classification, cataloging, distribution, format, storage, utilization, and administration of depository material. Council also has advised the Public Printer on information policy issues affecting depository libraries and the FDLP. The Depository Library Council consists of fifteen members appointed by the Public Printer. Members serve three year terms, with five members retiring each year and five new members entering. At least half of the Council’s members shall work in depository libraries and have experience in a Documents department. The DLC meets at a minimum of two times per year. All appointments to Council are made by the Public Printer after consideration of recommendations from Council, library associations and others as deemed appropriate by the Public Printer. Members may be appointed for additional terms. A Council Chair is elected by all members of the DLC. The Chair presides over all DLC meetings and is responsible for the agenda, appoints members of subcommittees as necessary to carry out the duties of Council, and serves as the direct liaison between Council and the Public Printer. Learn MoreLearn more about the Depository Library Council in this informational booklet. Contact the DLCView a list and contact the current DLC members.

Friday, 11 July 2008 | 9 hits

119. The Value of a Federal Depository Library (FDL)

Libraries must intermittently assess service related to customers, circulation, and information to ensure excellence. As library administrators rethink the role of their library within their institutional settings and how they are going to conduct business in the 21st century, it is not surprising that some directors and depository librarians are questioning the value of being in a Federal depository library. In all cases, the value of the depository to your users will be an individual depository library assessment. The trend of Government agencies to publish primarily to the Web provides widespread access to their information like never before. This has resulted in many changes to Federal depository libraries: fewer reference transactions are being reported, remote use of resources is increasing, and fewer tangible materials are being sent in depository shipment boxes. With a transition in collections and services, what is the future of the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP)? In the electronic age, how do individual libraries assess the value of being a member of the FDLP? Find it as Easy as FDL: Free Information, Dedicated Service, Limitless Possibilities Since 1813, the FDLP has maintained the nation’s first “right-to-know” program. At the foundation are the unwavering principles that the public has the right of access to its government’s information and the Government has an obligation to disseminate and provide broad public access to its information, preserve its information, and guarantee its authenticity and integrity. GPO and the network of depository libraries remain committed to the original intent of the FDLP, to create an informed citizenry who can participate in the democratic processes of the United States. Keeping Americans Informed uniquely positions Federal depository libraries through law and tradition to provide no-fee public access to current and historical Government information dissemination products. For example, GPO's cataloging staff provides bibliographic control for all information products published by the U.S. Federal Government including all formats of the products disseminated through the FDLP. GPO is the national (and defacto international) authority for cataloging U.S. Federal publications and participates in the monograph, serial, and authority programs of the Library of Congress, Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC). Depositories have the capability to download authoritative cataloging records from GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications at no cost. With these records in local online catalogs, depositories help the general public identify, locate, and use Federal Government information. Use it in Smarter Ways: Depository staff helps users in traditional and innovative ways Depository staff serves users in both traditional and innovative ways. Users of depository resources are provided assistance in not only finding and accessing information, but in better use of authenticated Government information from reliable and trusted sources. We are Smarter than Me: The FDLP as a catalyst for collaboration Comprised of a network of approximately 1,250 Federal depository libraries around the U.S. and its territories, the FDLP is a cooperative partnership with GPO. Depository libraries are of varying sizes and types and provide expert assistance rendered by information professionals. All contribute to the success of the network. Depository staff naturally operates in a collegial, collaborative manner to uphold the principles of the FDLP. In turn, GPO and its content and service partners provide free and permanent public access to unique, rich government information resources. A strong value is placed on the relationships that have developed among and between depositories, library users, GPO, and Federal agencies. With the FDLP serving as a catalyst, depository libraries continue to operate successfully as a network of libraries that support each other regionally and spontaneously form alliances and consortiums to provide value-added services. Continued collaboration in the FDLP has recently resulted in: Enhanced service to underserved populations; Promotion of citizen participation in the democratic process; Increased visibility for Government information written in foreign languages through the CGP; New marketing strategies and promotional materials; Additional education and training opportunities for depository library staff in the use of Government information resources through conferences, peer assists, virtual reference, and Web-based training modules; Web-based training software that depository coordinators may use to create training modules to share across the FDLP; Access for depository libraries to premium databases such as the Homeland Security Digital Library and the National Technical Information Service’s Depository Access to Reports, Technical & Scientific (NTIS/DARTS) ; Government Information Online: Ask a Librarian (GIO) to answer user questions or provide subject matter expert assistance to depository coordinators; and Cadre of depository library experts available to provide instruction for staff and users in your library via the Government Information in the 21st Century project. Sharing your story: How do you define the value of the FDLP and your library's participation in it? With all that GPO provides and the FDLP collaborative effort, the challenge remains for each depository library to identify the value depository designation creates at a local level. What does the FDLP provide to your library, staff, and users? For example: Academic libraries may find their depository collection of value for curriculum support, outside research interests, or for accreditation purposes; Public libraries might value the peer network that provides onsite instruction for staff, keeping American citizens informed, the free resources to supplement and complement their existing library collections, or assistance in conducting a voter registration drive; Law libraries may value the FDLP as a source for official, authentic government materials, or Special libraries may find FDLP membership a convenient way to locate unique information resources (medical from NIH, national security from DHS, etc). Additionally, a value might be placed on an individual library's extraordinary efforts to build expertise, services, and/or collections. Some depositories offer a unique service, employ staff with in-depth expertise in a specific area, or house a rare blend of resources to serve users and the FDLP as a whole. Contributions by any one depository might create a positive value for the entire FDLP. In August 2008, Ric Davis, the Acting Superintendent of Documents, sent a letter to all depository library directors, asking them to submit letters that describe the value users find in their depository library. The responses that GPO received were unique and thought-provoking and are so important as we embark on the strategic planning process for the FDLP and design our path for the next ten years. View the collection of depository library director responses. GPO remains interested in your success stories and anecdotes about the value of your depository to feature on the FDLP Desktop. What are the ways your library derives value from the FDLP? How have your users benefited by using depository resources? Are there additional ways GPO might improve the value of the FDLP in your library? View the recent Letter from Ric Davis, Acting Superintendent of Documents and Director, LSCM. Compile your stories, news releases, anecdotes, et cetera and share them on the FDLP Community site. Write blogs, start discussions on the forum, share photos, and more! Welcome to all Oracles and Seers. Bring your Crystal Ball: What will the Future FDLP Look Like? While you're considering the success of your depository program and the value the depository library brings to your community, consider contributing to the strategic planning project. Are there new services or modified requirements that would increase the value of the FDLP to your depository library, staff and users? GPO is developing a strategic plan for the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) that looks forward 10-15 years. Your ideas for designing the future FDLP will ensure a Strategic Plan for the Future of the FDLP is developed that meets the needs of your library, your staff, and your users.

Thursday, 16 October 2008 | 6 hits

120. Library of the Year Award

The Federal Depository Library of the Year award provides special recognition for a library that furthers the goal of the Federal Depository Library Program by ensuring that the American public has free access to its Government's information through: Outstanding service to meet the Federal government information needs in the library's service area; Creativity and innovation in developing specific community programs for use of Federal government information or a dramatic increase in their community's usage of Federal government information; and Leadership in creating public service programs that can be emulated by other Federal Depository Libraries. Nominations typically run from January 1st-June 30th and the winning library will be notified by the end of July each year. The Federal Depository Library of the Year demonstrates the following attributes: Outstanding public services, including significant promotion of the depository collection and services in the library and in the community; Documented knowledge of the Federal government information needs in the library's service area; Knowledgeable depository staff to assist patrons in the identification and use of the Federal government information that best meets their needs; Access to a well-defined collection of Federal depository tangible and electronic resources adequate to meet the needs of the library's service area; Excellent bibliographic control practices that enhance public access; Substantial cooperative efforts with other depository and non-depository libraries to share knowledge and resources with a larger community; Exceptional care and preservation of the depository collection. The nomination should focus on the above attributes. You are encouraged to discuss any innovations, collaborations with other libraries and community organizations, and other accomplishments that greatly enhance access to Federal government information at the nominated library. You are welcome to reference supporting online information by providing Web addresses. You may also submit copies of policies, testimonials, promotional materials, or other information that document superior service within the past 12 to 18 months. The U.S. Government Printing Office will retain the nominations and any attachments. Each entry must include the following information: Name, address and phone number of nominated library and the name of the person to contact should the library become a finalist, as well as contact information for the submitter if different from the library contact. A few paragraphs, or a list of bulleted narrative points, that clearly enumerate how the library's accomplishments fit the criteria for the award listed above. Please ensure your submission addresses the attributes listed above. Entries that describe programs and their effects on the community will be especially helpful to the judges in rendering a decision. While supporting materials, such as brochures, testimonials, press clippings, etc., may be included and are helpful, they are less important than the written narrative. Statistical data, if available, including the population served; number of staff dedicated to the use of Federal government information; percentage of the dedicated staff who are professional librarians; and usage of the Federal government information collection by the community. Judges do not make selections based on numbers, though they are helpful in giving context to the written submission. All nominations MUST be submitted online. Learn more about the Library of the Year recipients: 2008: Law Library for San Bernadino County 2007: Middendorf-Kredell Branch Library 2006: Benton Harbor Public Library 2005: New Mexico State Library 2004: Southern Oregon University's Lenn and Dixie Hannon Library 2003: Tulsa City-County Library

Friday, 17 October 2008 | 3 hits