The Public Access Assessments (PAA) program fulfills GPO’s responsibility to conduct "firsthand investigations of conditions" at individual depository libraries. (44USC§1909) 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 public’s Federal government information needs by reviewing how they provide access to and services for their Federal Government information products. Public Access Assessments are focused on 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 rules and requirements of the FDLP shall be successful in a Public Access Assessment. Individual depository libraries continue to determine locally how to apply the rules and requirements and are, therefore, reviewed within their own context.

The PAA is an outside review that documents the current status of your library’s depository operations and services. This review helps you identify depository strengths and any areas needing improvement. GPO outreach librarians performing the PAA are experienced former depository coordinators who are able to consult on a range of depository management topics. The regional librarian may also attend to give you additional feedback and continuing support. If you find that this type of review would be helpful to your library at this point in time, you may choose to request a PAA now before GPO has scheduled one of your library’s depository operation.

The document, Focus on Access, Collections, Service, and Cooperative Efforts, describes the framework of GPO’s individual library assessment program and may serve as guidelines for a review of your library’s depository operation. Consider all of the activities and services that your library accomplishes in support of each element in this document. If you are unable to fulfill an element adequately, you should evaluate your depository operation and make the necessary changes. Some activities, such as cataloging a large collection, take time, but all efforts you make are noted and contribute to enhanced access to the depository resources at your library, increasing the visibility of your library as a center for U.S. Government information resources and expertise.

GPO tracks frequently asked questions and also reviews Biennial Survey of Depository Libraries data to identify any areas of confusion or concern about application of the FDLP rules and requirements. GPO is committed to sharing information through news articles, new resources, and other avenues that highlight different ways a depository library may fulfill the rules and requirements of the FDLP. If you have any questions about depository management, please contact GPO or your regional librarian for consultation.

Currently, there are various resources that you may utilize to learn more about depository management in order to provide the most effective depository operations and services. If you are a new Federal depository library coordinator, please see the New Depository Coordinators tutorials. The Federal Depository Library Handbook contains depository management instructions and policies. It also includes best practices, tips, and other guidance to help you interpret and apply these at your libraries. In the upcoming months, GPO will provide libraries with a self-assessment resource for voluntary self-educational or strategic planning use.

Resources

Public Access Assessments: Focus on Access, Collections, Service and Cooperative Efforts

This paper outlines the focus and organizational scheme of the Public Access Assessment and describes the major categories of Access, Collections, Service, and Cooperative Efforts to be utilized in the program.

Public Access Assessments: Initial Review Checklist

This document is used as a resource by GPO personnel as they start an assessment of an individual depository library.

Public Access Assessments: Guidelines for Completing Initial Review

This document explains how the Initial Review Checklist is completed. It is used as a resource by GPO personnel as they start an assessment of an individual depository library.

Council Session: Public Access Assessments

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

Above are the presentations and handouts from two Depository Library Council Meeting programs. Each contains an overview of PAA as well as sample scenarios highlighting selected free public access issues.