Guidance
FDLP

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
    Free, public access is a basic tenet of the FDLP. Access to collections in all formats means that library users are able to retrieve or obtain relevant depository resources in a timely manner. Tags: ADA accessibility,
    Related Regulations: 11, 14, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 37, 54
  • Amending Your Library's Selection Profile
    A selection profile is the combined list of item numbers that you have chosen for your specific library community. As the content and format needs of your community change, so too should the selections of government publ
    Related Regulations: 6, 9, 10
  • Bibliographic Control
    Bibliographic control of a depository collection impacts the development and accessibility of the collection. Sources of cataloging records may be efficiently managed and free of charge to the library. Tags: bibliogra
    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 GPO. It is administered in odd numbered years and response is required by law. Tags: communication, coo
    Related Regulations: 45, 46
  • Claims
    Missing material may be claimed, but proper procedures should be followed to ensure receipt. Tags: selection profile, shipments
    Related Regulations: 17
  • Depository Collection and Development
    Development involves identifying needs of library users and selecting materials appropriately. Tangible and online (EL) selections, the Basic Collection, official partnerships, the CGP, FDsys, and other U.S. Government P
    Related Regulations: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 44, 49, 56
  • Depository Users and Service Expectations
    Comparable access for different library user groups and the expertise of library staff contribute to free, public access. Tags: communication, cooperative efforts, federal property, interlibrary loan, public access
    Related Regulations: 28, 29, 32, 35, 36, 41, 44
  • FDLP Announcements/News and Events Alerts Service
    Communication between Federal depository libraries and GPO is essential and is sometimes legally required. Tags: communication
    Related Regulations: 4
  • Federal Depository Library Directory and Library Addresses
    The public Directory provides searchable address, contact, and other information useful to locate depositories. Depository staff may log in and update the library building and first class mailing address in real time.
    Related Regulations: 5, 31
  • Free, Public Access
    Depositories have a legal commitment to provide no-fee, public access and professional assistance to all library users, including the general public. Monitor access to prevent barriers. Tags: ADA accessibility, fede
    Related Regulations: 1, 34, 41, 64
  • Item Number System
    Selective depository libraries in the FDLP choose from thousands of item numbers that represent U.S. Government publications by agency. The selection profile is the list of all item numbers selected by an individual libr
    Related Regulations: 9, 10
  • Leaving the FDLP
    A depository library has the right to voluntarily relinquish its depository status if it finds that it cannot meet the legal obligations set forth in the requirements. Tags: communication, federal property, print ma
    Related Regulations: 3, 62, 63
  • Physical Facilities
    The housing and shelving of depository materials can greatly affect free, public access. Paper, microfiche, maps, posters, electronic, and other material formats each have specific housing and shelving needs. Tags:
    Related Regulations: 19, 20, 21
  • Processing Depository Shipments
    Proper processing of depository shipments is essential to the management of a depository collection. Tags: shipments, federal property
    Related Regulations: 14, 15, 16, 17, 18
  • Public Access Assessments (PAA)
    A consultative review about individual depository compliance with requirements and regulations, the PAA focuses on information sharing to enhance access to and services for depository resources. Tags: public access
    Related Regulations: 2, 45, 46, 47, 55, 58
  • Recall and Return of Depository Material
    Libraries are legally required to withdraw, recall, or destroy FDLP materials under certain conditions. Tags: communication, federal property, print materials, security
    Related Regulations: 48
  • 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. Tags: online access, public access, security
    Related Regulations: 39, 40, 41, 42, 43
  • Selective Housing Agreements (SHA)
    Institutions must submit a Selective Housing Agreement (SHA) with GPO when depository materials are placed in institutions outside the depository director's purview. Tags: FDLP emblem, federal property, public access,
    Related Regulations: 49, 50
  • Shipping Lists
    Reviewing shipping lists is the first step in processing a depository shipment. Shipping lists record valuable information in how to accession the contents of a shipment box or package. Tags: shipments, item number
    Related Regulations: 17
  • Visibility of the Depository Library and Collection
    Your library will increase public awareness through use of the decal, Web pages, cataloging, reference assistance, and other promotion of the collection and services. Increased public awareness helps to ensure that dep
    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 guidelines. Tags: collection development, discards, federal
    Related Regulations: 26, 27, 51, 52, 53, 56, 57, 60, 61, 64

Collection Tools

Requirements & Guidance

About the FDLP

FDLP Home

Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) • 732 N Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC 20401 | Privacy Policy