| Library Programs Service (LPS) | |
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| W e b T o u r | ||
STOP #11 - Depository Services
Depository Services deals with the FDLP as a whole. While other areas of LPS are oriented toward the processing, cataloging, and distribution of depository materials themselves, Depository Services focuses on the functioning of the individual libraries and their relation with each other and GPO.
Depository Services deal with program operations such as:
- designation of new depositories
- termination of depository status
- Biennial Survey of Depository Libraries
- physical inspections of libraries
- evaluation of library self-studies
- producing Administrative Notes (the FDLP newsletter), Federal Depository Library Directory, Instructions to Depository Libraries, and Federal Depository Library Manual
- planning and implementing the annual Federal Depository Library Conference and the Interagency Depository Seminar
| A display of FDLP paper (and CD MOCAT) publications issued by GPO |
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Maps on the walls of this office identify the location of each Federal depository library and a database maintains inspection and directory information about each. The directory information is available on the Library Directory Web page of askLPS, and for downloading in both DBF and comma-delimited format from the Federal Bulletin Board. It is also used for the "Locate Libraries" function on the web site, U.S. Fax Watch, etc.
The aspect of Depository Services about which librarians are most aware is the inspection/self-study process. The inspectors monitor depository library compliance with the access, custody, maintenance, and public service provisions in Title 44, United States Code, Chapter 19 for Government documents in tangible and electronic on-line and off-line formats that are available in depository libraries.
Inspections and requests for self-studies are conducted in chronological order from the date of the previous on-site visit. Inspection trips are usually two weeks long and on average, eight depositories are examined. The regional librarian is invited to join the inspector. Each library is evaluated in such areas as Collection Development, Bibliographic Control, Physical Facilities, and Public Services. Chapter 8 in the Federal Depository Library Manual and articles on the FDLP Administration Publications page have descriptions on the entire inspection/self-study process.
The FDLP exists to provide free and unrestricted public access to these materials, including GPO Access and other Federal Government databases. On-site inspections based primarily on the Instructions to Depository Libraries and combined with a mandatory self-study ensure that the depositories fulfill their mission of providing this access to everyone.
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