Regulations

• 1. Free Public Use
  Depository libraries must make Federal Depository Library Program content available for free use by the general public including all people in their relevant region and congressional district.
• 2. Director Agreement
  In accepting the privilege and responsibility of Federal depository library status, the library director has agreed to abide fully by the laws and regulations governing officially designated Federal depository libraries.
• 3. Relinquishing Status
  Depository libraries that wish to relinquish depository status must follow all GPO requirements to properly withdraw from their Federal Depository Library partnership; including notifying GPO through email at \n
• 4. Library Contact
  At least one person at each depository library must stay up-to-date with FDLP information and follow directions in announcements. This is currently accomplished by subscribing to the FDLP-L announcement service.
• 5. FDL Directory
  Each depository library is responsible for updating the Federal Depository Library Directory and notifying GPO of any changes in shipping addresses.
• 6. Developing Collections
  Depository libraries must develop depository collections to meet the needs and format preferences of their primary library users and the general public.
• 7. Community Needs
  Each depository library must demonstrate knowledge of their library community’s needs.
• 8. Access To All Formats
  The foundation of a depository library collection includes both tangible (e.g. print, microfiche, CD-ROM/DVD) and online content. Depository libraries must provide access to FDLP content, including: Publications selec
• 9. Format Selections
  Selective depository libraries may only select one tangible format of a publication or series. Regional depository libraries must select at least one tangible format of every information product available, but may select
• 10. Required Item Numbers
  All libraries must select item numbers 0556-C and 1004-E. These item numbers are used when an important title is distributed to all depository libraries.
• 11. Bibliographic Access
  Proper bibliographic control must be provided so that depository libraries can ensure that their Federal depository resources can be located, retrieved, and accessed in a timely manner.
• 12. Piece-Level Records
  Depository libraries must maintain a piece-level record of tangible depository holdings so that individual depository receipts can be accounted for.
• 13. Cataloging Receipts
  Libraries must catalog current tangible receipts or publications that meet the library’s collection needs.
• 14. Time-Sensitivity
  Many documents are extremely time-sensitive. All shipments must be unpacked and organized for easy access by staff while awaiting processing and cataloging.
• 15. Marking Property
  All tangible depository material must be marked in some manner as depository property, which is usually accomplished with a depository property stamp.
• 16. Date Identification
  Library staff must be able to identify the shipping list date, date of receipt, or the date of processing of depository material for retention purposes.
• 17. Shipment Review & Claims
  Depository boxes must be reviewed to ensure receipt of all selected materials and shipments. Claims for missing or damaged receipts must be made within the proper timeframe and by the prescribed methods.
• 18. Duplicates
  If the library receives a duplicate copy of a publication, the duplicate may be discarded immediately or offered on a discard list to the regional depository library.
• 19. Housing Materials
  All depository materials must be housed in a manner that facilitates timely access.
• 20. Preservation & Protection
  Each depository library is entrusted with the custody of depository materials and must ensure that they are properly preserved and protected from theft, deterioration, or damage, in a manner comparable to other library c
• 21. ADA Access
  All facilities housing depository materials must meet the standards set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or have a reasonable alternative to ensure access. The depository collection must be available fo
• 22. Accessible Computers
  Publicly accessible computer equipment must meet the public needs for the depository collection. Users must have the ability to view, download, photocopy, and print relevant depository content that is available in online
• 23. Microfiche Format
  Microfiche viewing equipment must be available to users if the format is in the depository collection.
• 24. Alternate Format Access
  If tangible electronic media cannot be viewed on public computers, at a minimum, the library must be able to circulate the material or provide alternate means of access to the content.
• 25. Decal Posting
  Each depository library must post the FDLP decal on or near the library entrance indicating through statutory language that the library is a Federal depository and FDLP information products can be used by the general pub