Law Library - Federal Government Depository
Overview of the Program
By Shelly Clement, Government Documents Librarian
The Federal Depository Library Program was begun in the 1800's as a means to make government information more widely available to non-federal government institutions. Currently, the program distributes materials to approximately 1400 participating libraries across the country. This program plays a crucial role in keeping the public informed. All members of the general public are encouraged to use our collection. For information about library cards, hours of operation and other services, visit Library Services.
The government publishes a tremendous volume of statutory and legislative material pertinent to the type of research done in law libraries. The University of Oklahoma Law Library became a participant in the program in 1978 when Congress enacted Public Law 95-261 which allowed law libraries to become federal depositories. As a participant in the program, our collection is vastly enhanced by free access to publications such as the Congressional Record, Federal Register, committee prints and committee hearings which would otherwise be expensive and/or difficult to obtain.
The emphasis in selection is an item or agency's relevance to legal research. Through participation in the program, the law library gains access to legal materials from such agencies as the Federal Communications Commission, Civil Rights Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, Interior Department, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Justice Department, Labor Department, National Labor Relations Board, Internal Revenue Service and a number of commissions, task forces and councils.
Government information comes in a variety of formats: print, microform, CD-ROM, DVD and electronically on the Internet. Because of the importance of the governmental process, our participation in this program provides valuable resources to patrons. Through access to federal government material, patrons can enhance their understanding of the governmental process.
Internet Sites maintained by the Government Printing Office
All of the following links are to websites outside the OU College of Law.
All of the following links open in a new window.
- Government Printing Office Homepage
- Catalog of US Government Publications
- Congress
- Core Documents of Democracy
- Executive Branch Resources on GPO Access
- Federal Resources Organized by Topic
- GPO Access Databases
- Judicial Branch Resources on GPO Access
- Legislative Branch Resources on GPO Access
- New Electronic Titles
- Locating Federal Depository Libraries by State or Area Code
- United States Government Manual
Support for Electronic Products
GPO Access User Support Team is available for GPO Electronic products from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST Monday-Friday.
- Phone: 1-888-293-6498 or 1-202-512-1608.
- E-mail: gpoaccess@gpo.gov
- Fax: 202-512-1262