Federal & State Depository Library Program
The Arkansas Federal and State Publications program was established by Section 8 of ACT 489 of 1979.
Federal Publications' Depository
The Federal Depository Library Program(FDLP) was established by Congress to ensure that the American public has access to its Government's information. Since 1813, depository libraries have safeguarded the public's right to know by collecting, organizing, maintaining, preserving, and assisting users with information from the Federal Government. The FDLP provides U.S. Government information at no cost to designated depository libraries throughout the country and territories. These depository libraries, in turn, provide local, no-fee access to Government information in an impartial environment with professional assistance. The Program (FDLP) is governed by USC Title 44 and is administered by the Superintendent of Documents of the Government Printing Office.
The Arkansas State Library was designated a selective depository in 1978. In 1979, Senator Dale Bumpers designated the Library as the Regional Library for Arkansas. As the Regional Library, we receive 100% of the publications distributed and must retain permanently, at least one tangible copy. There are thirteen libraries in Arkansas designated to serve as selective federal depositories, representing 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th federal Congressional Districts. These libraries select documents based on their patron and library collection policy needs and are only required to retain documents for 5 years.
State Publications' Depository & Clearinghouse
The Arkansas State Publication’s Depository is designed to systematically collect and
distribute Arkansas state government publications to participating libraries throughout
the state.
The essential components of the program are:
1) Maintenance and retention of state publications in a permanent
central collection;
2) Availability of publications at local community levels through the distribution
of copies to designated depository libraries;
3) Preparation of bibliographies and indexing aids;
4) Assistance in making information in state publications accessible to the
citizens of the state.
Mary Brewer, Division Manager
for Collection Management/Regional Librarian Document Services,
mary@library.arkansas.gov, 501-682-2840
This library is a congressionally designated depository for U. S. Government documents. Public access to the government documents collection is guaranteed by public law. (Title 44 United States Code)