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Locate the library's mission, vision, goals, and strategic planning documents so that you know how the depository operation fits into your institution’s setting. In addition, locate any library annual reports, statistical records, or other documentation in your library that provide information about the depository operation. These resources may be located in your library’s administrative offices and archives.
Identify policies and procedures
GPO encourages each depository library to have and disseminate written policies or other information so library users know what level of service to expect.
Written policies and procedures covering the depository operation may be specific to the depository or part of larger library-wide policies or procedures. You are encouraged to review these to ensure that the information is in accordance with FDLP requirements and regulations.
Written documentation useful to the depository operation that you may have includes:
- Access policy
- Collection development policy
- Technical services processing manual or checklist
- Collection maintenance policy or procedures
- Internet or computer use policy
- State plan
- Conduct or user behavior policy
- Preservation policy
- Disaster recovery policy or plan
- Circulation policy
- Reference or public services policy
- Promotion policy
If you plan to create or update policies, it may be useful to review policies at other institutions. Sample policies may be found in the non-GPO resource ALA Government Documents Round Table Government Information Clearinghouse and Handout Exchange.
Locate the following documents about the depository
- Inspection Reports, Self-Study submission and Self-Study Evaluation report (if applicable), and a Public Access Assessment report (if applicable)
- Depository’s designation paperwork
- Copies of Biennial Survey of a Federal Depository Library submissions
- Selective housing site agreements, if any
- Other official Memorandum of Understanding (e.g., official Partnership documentation), if any
If you are unable to locate the information listed above, send a message to askGPO, and copies will be made from the information available in your library's permanent file at GPO and sent to you.
Evaluate the depository operation and services in your library
Review the library’s Web pages to see how the library identifies itself as a resource center and location of research expertise in U.S. Government information. Consider the non-GPO ALA GODORT Web site template if you plan to create a new depository Web presence. FDLP graphics are available for your use.
Review all of the gathered documentation to determine whether the depository operation is in compliance with the FDLP legal and program requirements concerning bibliographic control, public service, etc. Identify any documentation that should be updated.
Consider all aspects of the depository operation and services when reviewing the current status in the library. For example, consider:
- Who among the library’s personnel works with the depository operations?
- How do technical, public, and access services personnel work with depository resources and patrons?
- Who provides technical support?
- Who in the library has purchasing power?
- Is there a department budget for purchasing supplementary commercial reference tools, computer equipment, replacements for lost/damaged materials, travel/training, etc.?
With this knowledge, communicate regularly with your library’s administration about the depository operation and services.
Next Visibility of the Collection and Promotional Efforts
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