Digital FDLP Implementation

  • Last Updated: December 01, 2023
  • Published: April 20, 2023

What you need to know:

  • It was the consensus of the Task Force that the FDLP can, and should, move to a digital program.
  • GPO is designing a phased approach for implementation, as there are a number of significant societal, technical, and legislative matters that require stakeholder engagement and thoughtful consideration.
    • National Collection Service Areas have been developed to ensure geographically dispersed access to Federal Government information.
    • GPO has reduced the number of titles available for print distribution as trusted digital versions are accessible.
  • In consultation with our partners, GPO is evaluating and prioritizing key activities and mapping them to the Task Force recommendations.
  • Tangible holdings in depository libraries remain an important part of the National Collection. There are no changes to existing FDLP rules and guidance regarding the weeding of paper, microfiche, or other tangible formats from FDLP collections at this time. Information about weeding FDLP collections may be found in Weeding a Depository Collection. Learn more.

What to expect:

  • The FDLP Community can expect changes to operations in GPO’s Library Services & Content Management (LSCM) that focus on a digital-first approach to service.
  • LSCM will communicate its progress and keep the FDLP community apprised of changes as they prepare for a new model for the Program. Please check out the print distribution framework page for more information.

Digital-first:

LSCM is increasing our focus on digital content. Here are a few initiatives we’re working on to enhance a digital FDLP.

  • Conducting outreach to Federal agencies to increase compliance with Title 44 and identify opportunities for partnership.
  • Expanding discovery and access to digital information through cataloging and metadata.
  • Increasing harvesting and preservation of digital information.
  • Growing the GovInfo collection through digitization and Digital Content Contributor partnerships.
  • Conducting outreach to Federal agencies to increase compliance with Title 44 and identify opportunities for partnership.
  • Growing the GovInfo collection through digitization and Digital Content Contributor partnerships.

What's in progress:

Work to implement a digital FDLP is ongoing at GPO. Visit the progress page to view recommendations of the Task Force on a Digital FDLP, mapped to action items with status updates.

Resources:

Background:

In response to a recommendation from the Depository Library Council (DLC), GPO Director Hugh Halpern established a Task Force to study the feasibility of a digital FDLP. The 23-member Task Force had representation from the DLC, the depository library community, and Federal agencies.

In 2022, the Task Force delivered a report to Director Halpern entitled Feasibility of a Digital Federal Depository Library Program: Report of the GPO Director’s Task Force.

Director Halpern accepted the Task Force recommendations, with few exceptions, and responded with how the GPO plans to implement a digital FDLP.

Questions & feedback:

For comments and questions about this process, please visit askGPO.