New Limited Print Distribution Framework

  • Last Updated: December 01, 2023
  • Published: November 09, 2023

Introduction 

As GPO moves to a digital Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP), GPO will reduce tangible distribution to Federal depository libraries (FDLs). The number of titles and copies available for print distribution will decrease as GPO works to deliver permanent no-fee public access to digital content for people seeking U.S. Government information. This new, limited print distribution model acknowledges the different print needs and requirements of the National Collection Service Areas (NCSAs). Cost savings on printing, postage, and processing will allow GPO’s Library Services & Content Management (LSCM) to increase investment in digital content management initiatives that serve FDLs and patrons’ Government information needs. 

National Collection Service Areas:

In a 2015 letter approving the Superintendent of Documents policy to allow regional depository libraries to discard materials, the Joint Committee on Printing (JCP) stipulated there be no fewer than four geographically dispersed tangible copies of a publication in the FDLP. GPO then developed NCSAs that group Federal depository libraries into four regions: Midwest, Northeast, South, and West.

NCSAs:

  • Ensure geographically dispersed permanent public access to Federal Government information products. 
  • Encourage resource sharing among depository libraries. 
  • Receive services from LSCM.

To see where your library fits within the NCSA framework (Midwest, Northeast, South and West), please consult the National Collection Service Areas map, or search for your library’s entry in the FDL Directory (FDLD). For a list of all the depository libraries in each NCSA, you can follow these links to the FDLD: Midwest, Northeast, South, and West.

GPO will continue to manage the National Collection of U.S. Government Public Information. To inquire about a print copy, please contact us via askGPO.

NCSAs will meet regularly to discuss collaborative collection development planning. A representative from the Depository Library Council (DLC) will serve in each NCSA as a liaison along with GPO’s LSCM staff to help facilitate discussion and inform decision-making. If you would like to reach out to your NCSA representative, their names and contact information are below:

As GPO works to build and develop the NCSAs, we have outlined a set of assumptions:

  • Each NCSA will have a steering committee and periodic meetings.
  • The FDLs that receive a particular title may change over time.
  • GPO will take responsibility, at its own expense, for relocating portions of depository collections based on need or agreement within a NCSA.
  • At least one print copy of each title within a NCSA will be available for delivery to other FDLs using interlibrary loan (ILL) systems.
  • Resource sharing and consortia agreements are already in place, and libraries will continue to use these.
  • At least one print copy of each title within a NCSA will be included in a Preservation Steward Partnership agreement.
  • GPO will provide a long-term collection management and preservation plan outline for each NCSA to customize, which will include provisions for a Last Copy policy and procedures.
  • Agency printing will continue to decline.
  • GPO staff will always be available for assistance and consulting.

Print Distribution Titles List (PDT):

The Print Distribution Titles List (PDT) consists of titles that will continue to be distributed in paper-format. The quantity of copies available fall into three categories:

  • Unlimited distribution titles will be distributed at current selection quantities and include the U.S. Code, Statutes at Large, U.S. Reports, Constitution of the United States (Analysis & Interpretation, including supplements), House and Senate Journals, and Bound Congressional Record Index, Statutes at Large, and U.S. Reports.
  • 20-copy titles include Serial (both the bound version and related individual House and Senate Reports and Documents), Bound Congressional Record, Senate Executive Journal, and select maps.
  • 50-copy titles include all other titles on the PDT list. 

The PDT List is not static and may change over time. An example of this is if a publishing Federal agency discontinues a title or determines a title is only to be available as a digital publication.

In order to be eligible to receive print, your federal depository library must meet these minimum requirements:

  • Follow 44 U.S.C. § 1911 requirement to retain for the first five years, but also agree not to supersede or electronically substitute during that time. 
  • Commit to offer nationally in FDLP eXchange, if weeding after the five-year retention commitment has been met.
  • Commit to catalog and make all print receipts discoverable via the library’s integrated library system (ILS) to support interlibrary loan or in-library access to the print format.

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