Federal Depository Library Program

Description
Government information in both traditional and electronic formats is made available by the Government Printing Office (GPO) to1,300 libraries nationwide through the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP). In operation since 1813, the FDLP is the public's primary source of free access to the published information of the Federal Government. Chapter 19 of Title 44 of the United States Code is the authority for the establishment and operation of the Federal Depository Library Program. With few exceptions, all Congressional Districts and territories of the United States have at least one Federal Depository Library.

Depository libraries are designated by members of Congress or by law. Many are college, university and law libraries, making the FDLP a key component of the nation's education system. Almost 20% are public libraries, insuring access to government information to citizens throughout the United States. Federal depository libraries serve an estimated 9.5 million people each year. In FY 2000, GPO distributed 12.2 million copies of approximately 29,000 tangible products in print, microform, and CD-ROM formats to depository libraries.

There are two types of depository libraries, "regional" and "selective". The 53 Regional depositories receive all publications distributed through the Program for permanent retention to ensure that archival resource collections of Government documents remain available throughout the United States. The remaining Selective depositories may choose to receive only publications pertinent to their patrons. In return for receiving Government publications at no cost, the depository libraries must make the information available to the public, and provide appropriate assistance to users.

Program in Connecticut and Rhode Island
There are 18 Selective Libraries in Connecticut, 11 Selective Libraries in Rhode Island, and 1 Regional for both Connecticut and Rhode Island. Of the depositories, 16 are in college or university libraries, 8 in public libraries, 4 in law libraries, and 2 in State Libraries. The Connecticut State Library was designated the Regional Library for Connecticut in 1962 and for Rhode Island in 1982. In addition to receiving and retaining all the publications issued through the Federal Depository Library Program, the Federal Documents Librarian visits and consults with Selectives in both states regarding compliance with FDLP instructions, polices and procedures.