New York State Library
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Federal Depository Library Program

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Federal Documents

As the New York State regional depository for United States government publications, the NYS Library receives and permanently keeps a copy of every document distributed under the Government Publishing Office's Federal Depository Library Program. In addition, the Library owns a microform edition of depository (1956-June 1992) and non-depository (1953+) Federal documents.

Some of the major Federal document collections include:

  • 1990 and previous U.S. census materials,
  • Congressional bills and hearings, and
  • agency annual and special reports.

Many U.S. government documents are listed in Excelsior, the Library's online catalog. Print resources available on-site at the Library include the following Federal documents finding aids:

  • American Statistics Index (ASI)
  • Congressional Information Service. CIS/Index
  • CIS U.S. Serial Set Index
  • The U.S. Government Printing Office GPOM CD-ROM database, 1976 +, or the Monthly Catalog of United States Government Publications,1895 +

However, many government documents are not listed in any of the indexes and are available only from the issuing agency. For on-site researchers, addresses and telephone numbers of Federal agencies are listed in directories located in the Library's reference area.

Other Depository Libraries

The State Library also has responsibilities for the 65 selective Federal depositories located throughout New York State. (For a list, see the Federal Depository Library Directoryexternal link.) The State Library acts as backup for reference and interlibrary loan, provides consulting services, and authorizes the discard of depository materials retained by selective depositories for at least five years.

New York State Library Policies for Federal Depository Library Materials

U.S. Government Information

govinfo

provides free public access to official publications from all three branches of the Federal Government. It's a service of the United States Government Publishing Office (GPO), which is a Federal agency in the legislative branch.

For additional links to online resources for Federal government information, see U.S. Government Information.

Last Updated: February 8, 2024