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Guidance

This section contains advice on how to comply with the FDLP regulations. Guidance is based on broad topics and articles may reference multiple regulations.

  • Access to Collections
    In a letter sent to all Depository Coordinators, Superintendent of Documents Laurie Hall addressed questions concerning access to Government resources as libraries reopen. Recognizing that local jurisdictions and parent
    Related Regulations: 11, 14, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 37, 54
  • All or Mostly Online Federal Depository Libraries
    Current and new depository libraries are able to focus on the provision of access to online resources. Current depositories must address their holdings in all formats, as well strategize for the collection they want to d
  • Amending Your Library's Selection Profile
    FDLP libraries choose materials for their libraries through selection profiles, that are the list of item numbers for specific desired content. As content and format needs of the community change, so too should the selec
    Related Regulations: 6, 9, 10
  • Bibliographic Control
    Bibliographic control for items in a depository collection has the greatest impact for users as it increases the exposure to and accessibility of primary resources on a wide variety of topics for information and research
    Related Regulations: 11, 12, 13
  • Biennial Survey of Depository Libraries
    The Biennial Survey of Depository Libraries is the means by which depository libraries report their conditions to the Government Publishing Office (GPO). It is administered in odd numbered years and response is required
    Related Regulations: 45, 46
  • Claims
    Missing material from current shipments may be claimed, but proper procedures should be followed to ensure receipt.
    Related Regulations: 17
  • Depository Collection and Development
    Development involves identifying needs of library users and selecting materials appropriately. Tangible and online (EL) selections, the FDLP Basic Collection, official partnerships, the Catalog of U.S. Government Publica
    Related Regulations: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 44, 49, 56
  • Federal Depository Library Directory and Library Addresses
    The Federal Depository Library Directory provides searchable street address, contact, and other information useful to locate depositories. Additional information is maintained by library staff in DSIMS.
    Related Regulations: 5, 31
  • Free, Public Access
      In a letter sent to all Depository Coordinators, Superintendent of Documents Laurie Hall addressed questions concerning access to Government resources as libraries reopen. Recognizing that local jurisdictions and
    Related Regulations: 1, 34, 41, 64
  • Item Number System
    Selective depository libraries in the FDLP can choose from thousands of item numbers that are assigned to U.S. Government publications by agency. The selection profile is the list of all item numbers selected by an indiv
    Related Regulations: 9, 10
  • Leaving the FDLP
    At this time, we can only accept digitally signed letters. If your library mailed a physical letter to GPO in March or later and you haven’t been in touch with anyone at GPO, please contact us at This email address is
    Related Regulations: 3, 62, 63
  • Moving Your FDL Collection
    A growing number of depository libraries are experiencing the need to move collections, either temporarily for renovation projects or permanently, sometimes to an off-site location.
    Related Regulations: 1, 11, 12, 19, 28, 37
  • Official Communication of the FDLP
    Communication between GPO and Federal depository libraries is essential. Various information resources and contact methods are available.
    Related Regulations: 4
  • Physical Facilities and Collection Maintenance
      The housing and maintenance of depository materials can greatly affect free public access. Each format has specific needs
    Related Regulations: 19, 20, 21
  • Processing Depository Shipments
      Proper processing of depository shipments is essential to the management of a depository collection.
    Related Regulations: 14, 15, 16, 17, 18
  • Public Access Assessments (PAA)
    The Public Access Assessment (PAA) is a consultative review of individual depository compliance with requirements and regulations. The PAA also focuses on information sharing to enhance access to and services for deposit
    Related Regulations: 2, 45, 46, 47, 55, 58
  • Recall of Depository Material
      When GPO issues a recall, libraries are legally required to withdraw, return, or destroy FDLP materials as instructed by GPO.
    Related Regulations: 48
  • Regional Depository Libraries
    Regional depository libraries provide services to the selective depository libraries in a state or multi-state region, and assist selectives in withdrawal of depository material. There may be up to two regional depositor
    Related Regulations: 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63
  • Security of Library Users and Collections
      Federal depository libraries need to balance the security of library collections, staff, patrons,and computer networks with the FDLP's public access requirements.
    Related Regulations: 39, 40, 41, 42, 43
  • Selective Housing Agreements (SHA)
    What is a Selective Housing Agreement (SHA)? A depository library may selectively house a portion of its depository publications or materials at other libraries or institutions, including other depository libraries and
    Related Regulations: 49, 50
  • Services and Staffing at Depository Libraries
      In a letter sent to all Depository Coordinators, Superintendent of Documents Laurie Hall addressed questions concerning access to Government resources as libraries reopen. Recognizing that local jurisdictions and
    Related Regulations: 28, 29, 32, 35, 36, 41, 44
  • Shipping Lists
      Reviewing shipping lists is the first step in processing a depository shipment. Shipping lists record information related to the contents of a shipment box or package.
    Related Regulations: 17
  • Visibility of the Depository Library and Collection
      Your library can increase public awareness of your depository status and participation in the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) by increasing the visibility of FDLP resources. This can be done by prominen
    Related Regulations: 11, 25, 32, 33, 38, 44
  • Weeding a Depository Collection
    Materials distributed through the Federal Depository Library Program remain Federal property and must be disposed of according to specific rules and state/regional instruction.
    Related Regulations: 26, 27, 51, 52, 53, 56, 57, 60, 61, 64

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