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Information for New Depository Coordinators

This Guide is designed to answer any questions that a new depository coordinator may have. This guide is facilitated by the GPO.

Next Steps

Read Requirements and Guidance

Your library accepts specific obligations with Program participation. Read the Legal Requirements and Program Regulations of the Federal Depository Library Program and the associated Guidance.

Learn about Item Numbers and How to Modify Your Library’s Selections

Learn about Your Library’s Depository Operation

Locate or identify:

  • Collection housing locations, including selective housing sites.
  • Local procedures for collection processing and management.
  • How FDLP content in all formats is identified and made accessible at your library. For example, cataloging, a shelflist (card catalog), or combination of the two.
  • Information related to library staff involved in the depository operation and their roles.
  • How your library promotes and makes depository resources and services visible.
  • Documentation relating to your library’s depository collection. FDLP documentation includes Biennial Survey of Depository Libraries submissions, assessment or inspection reports, and any official selective housing site agreements or other memorandum of understanding.

Plan for FDLP Training

GPO offers training through the FDLP Academy to help you learn about the FDLP and U.S. Government information resources. Opportunities include:

  • New Depository Librarian’s Institute
  • FDLP webinars and webcasts
  • Depository Library Council Meeting and Federal Depository Library Conference Proceedings
  • Regional depository library consultation and other training
  • Local, state, or national library association programming

Ask Questions

Feel free to reach out to GPO. We’re happy to be of assistance.

Other helpful sources of information include:

  • Your regional depository library
  • Non-GPO listservs, for example, GOVDOC-L or DocTech-L