U.S. Reports Collection Highlights
- Sarah Guthrie, Digital Conversion Specialist, U.S. Government Publishing Office
- Christy McCall, Digital Conversion Specialist, U.S. Government Publishing Office
- Mia Steinle, Digital Conversion Specialist, U.S. Government Publishing Office
This poster includes highlights of the new U.S. Reports collection on GovInfo and features for searching the collection. Several different case types (both famous and unusual) from different eras are discussed. Illustrations of GovInfo search features and a brief discussion of the digitization process are also included.
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Enhancing Research and Innovation
Raquel Estrada, Acquisitions and Collection Development Librarian, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley University Library
The UTRGV University Library, at both the Edinburg and Brownsville campuses, has been officially designated as a Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC) by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This designation marks a significant milestone, opening new doors for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship across UTRGV and the entire Rio Grande Valley. This poster is designed to celebrate and promote this exciting development by highlighting benefits to the RGV community, spotlighting the PTRC Libguide, and sharing details about the grand opening events.
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Transforming Government Information
Jennifer Castle, Librarian for Human and Organizational Development, Vanderbilt University Peabody Library
Dominique Hallett, Government Information and STEM Librarian, Arkansas State University Dean B Ellis Library
This poster explores the Federal Depository Library Program’s (FDLP) digital transformation and its impact on libraries and public access to government information. It summarizes the history of the FDLP, insights from the Government Publishing Office (GPO) Task Force Report, and stakeholder interviews. The digital transition presents opportunities to expand access but raises challenges, including preserving physical materials, addressing expertise loss, the digital divide, and disaster preparedness. While the shift to a digital FDLP is necessary, the authors emphasize the importance of careful planning and collaboration to ensure equitable access and the preservation of government information for all.
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Highlighting U.S. Government Information at Libraries
Suzanne Reinman, Library Professor and Documents Librarian, Oklahoma State University Edmon Low Library
As a democracy, citizens need information to make informed decisions. It is part of the Constitution; the framers considered this to be very important.
“A popular Government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy; or, perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance: And a people who mean to be their own Governors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.” (The Writings of James Madison, 1822, p. 103)
Federal Depository Libraries can promote government information sources in addition to their websites by:
- Including government websites and sources in their libraries' database listings
- Promoting FDLP webinars on institutional calendars
- Highlighting current efforts for alternative data sources
U.S. Government information is defined as “Informational matter which is published as an individual document at Government expense, or as required by law.” 44 USC 1901
Government information can cover nearly any topic, can be used by any citizen, includes almost every type of information: historical documents, maps, statistics and datasets, scientific papers. It is:
- Primary source data
- Authoritative
- Covers all subject areas, is a part of all curriculums
- Gives a national perspective
- Includes statistical data
- Is without copyright and is free
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