Introduction
The Library Programs Service (LPS) numbers about 3% of the employees of the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO). Out of a total GPO work force of more than 3,200, LPS has only slightly more than 100 employees.
Most of the GPO work force is engaged in processes for printing documents, procurement of printing or CD-ROM replication, developing World Wide Web applications, or tasks relating to or in support of these functions. LPS, however, has unique responsibilities within GPO.
LPS comprises two divisions:
- The Library Division performs library-related functions (acquisition, classification, format conversion, cataloging, inspections, etc.).
- The Depository Distribution Division is responsible for the receipt, shipment preparation, physical distribution of publications, and the screening and fulfillment of any claims for LPS-shipped paper and electronic publications.
Government Information at a Library Near You
The Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) is by far the largest and best known of the programs managed by LPS. Established by Congress to ensure that the American public has access to its Government's information, this program involves the acquisition, format conversion, and distribution of depository materials and the coordination of Federal depository libraries in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories.
As authorized by Title 44, U.S.C., LPS administers the FDLP and the Cataloging and Indexing Program. It also manages the distribution component of the International Exchange Service (IES) Program for the Library of Congress.
These programs are accomplished through the seven basic functions of LPS:
- acquisition
- classification
- format conversion
- dissemination and
- bibliographic control of Government information products
- inspection of depository libraries
- continuing education and training initiatives which strengthen the ability of depository library personnel to serve the public.
An emerging new responsibility is to ensure that electronic Government information products disseminated through the FDLP, or incorporated in the FDLP Electronic Collection, remain permanently accessible to the public.
The Cataloging and Indexing Program provides cataloging and classification information on all relevant documents in tangible and electronic media produced by the Federal Government. Depository librarians see the result in the form of the printed and CD-ROM Monthly Catalog of U.S. Government Publications, the daily Catalog of U.S. Government Publications World Wide Web application, and OCLC records.
The International Exchange Service is a program that GPO operates for the Library of Congress. Although sometimes thought of as an international version of the depository library program, it actually involves an exchange of U.S. Government publications for foreign publications between the Library of Congress and various foreign governments. Most U.S. Government publications sent to foreign countries are in microfiche.
The majority of LPS employees work on the sixth floor of the central office. The Depository Receiving Section is located on the ground floor in an adjacent building, and an acquisitions staff member is stationed in Customer Service on the eighth floor of the central office.
The following tour shows the processing of publications through the FDLP, from ordering through distribution.
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