Addresses the assertion by the Depository Library Council to the Public Printer that James Madison's political writings serve as the ideological underpinning for the Federal Depository Library Program. Reviews the evolution of Anglo-American thought regarding the concept of an informed citizenry and suggests Elbridge Gerry as a more appropriate…

This report summarizes the views of depository librarians on the Government Printing Office's (GPO) depository library program as obtained from a questionnaire administered by the U. S. General Accounting Office. The questionnaire was developed to obtain background information for that office's response to the request of the Chairman of the Joint…

A cost analysis study of the Association of Research Libraries' member institutions who have depository status was conducted in order to evaluate the benefits received from the federal depository system. Information received from a small sample of the member libraries provides the basis for discussion of costs and benefits. Cost factors considered…

Addresses issues relating to acquisition of and access to government information. Information being made available in new formats is discussed, including CD-ROM and other electronic formats; Illinois state and federal depository library programs are described; and cataloging government documents is considered. (LRW)

Reports on an analysis of the availability of publications contained in the 1991 "Monthly Catalog of United States Government Publications" through depository libraries, the Government Printing Office (GPO) Sales Program and its Publications Reference File (PRF), and federal agency distribution centers. Implications for collection…

Discusses new partnerships created between the Government Printing Office and federal depository libraries to provide permanent access to the electronic files of agencies that have ceased operation. Describes one partnership with the University of North Texas to provide access to records of the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations.…

Sources and selection criteria for maps and charts published by the United States government are outlined in this manual. Since there is still no comprehensive index to U.S. government published maps, several selections tools are recommended. A section is included concerning the map and chart programs of each of the issuing departments, agencies,…

In July 1995, the Forum on Government Information Policy, representatives of several library associations, developed the "Model for New Universe of Federal Information Access and Dissemination." The model proposes to: (1) reconceptualize federal information access and dissemination responsibilities; and (2) reinvent the Federal…

Examines the impact of the transition of the Federal Depository Library Program from print collections to a mix of print and electronic materials. Considers library collections and services; discusses reference service within the context of Zipf's Law; and presents a case study of the University of Florida documents reference services. (Author/LRW)

Argues that democracy is best served by a Federal Depository Library Program that receives information in multiple formats (print, electronic, and microfiche) so that the needs of diverse users for equal opportunity to access government information can be met. Concludes that Congress is seeking to reduce costs at the expense of the public.…

Discusses the increasing demand for digital reference services from government Web sites via email, and describes a partnership between the Government Printing Office and the federal depository library at the University of Illinois at Chicago to create electronic access to the Department of State Foreign Affairs Network (DOSFAN). (Author/LRW)

Discussion of the distribution of government information on CD-ROM to federal depository libraries focuses on a survey of a sample of federal depositories that investigated the availability of hardware; software; staff, including staff training; reference service; and bibliographic instruction. Suggested GPO (Government Printing Office) guidelines…

The legal framework covering government information procurement, production, and dissemination has been in place for over 100 years. Congress is currently developing revisions to the U.S. Code to reform this system. Fundamental principles of public access, embodied in the Federal Depository Library Program, must guide these revisions, and…

This presentation of how land grant university libraries became federal depository libraries in 1907 examines the principle legislative statutes creating the land grant university system. Discusses government information distribution and management problems; 1980 Paperwork Reduction Act; the National Performance Review; Congressional reform…

Reports results of 1985 survey of federal depository libraries in Illinois, including the arrangement of collections and bibliographic access, acquisitions and weeding, services and equipment, library and librarian cooperation, documents staff, State Plan and State Plan Coordinating Council, online systems and access to government documents, and…