Government Documents: Government Documents at MKL

Government Documents

The Macdonald-Kelce Library has been a U.S. Federal Government Depository Library since 1953. This body of materials is just part of the vast amount of information produced by the three branches of the U.S. Federal Government. UT collects approximately 30% of government depository items and is considered a selective depository.

Most government documents are now online. To accommodate users of these materials the library provides hardware for Government Documents only. Many of the government documents we receive in hard copy will also be provided with links to the material online. These documents can be retrieved through the library's catalog.

The Government Publishing office is now providing access to government information through Govinfo.gov and USA.gov (see below).

FDLP Basic Collection - Every Federal depository library is required to have the titles in the "basic core collection" accessible for immediate use. These titles are vital sources of information that support the public's right to know about the workings and essential activities of the Federal Government. This list is subject to change.

For more about the core government resources available to you see the MKL FDLP Guide. 

U.S. Catalog of Government Publications - The CGP is the finding tool for federal publications that includes descriptive information for historical and current publications as well as direct links to the full document, when available. Users can search by authoring agency, title, subject, and general keywords, or click on "Advanced Search" for more options.

If you need more information contact Government Documents Specialist Keven McGinn.

USA.gov

USA.gov is the online guide to government information and services.

USA.gov searches only federal, state, and local government websites for the public. Its search box works like other search engines you're used to, but USA.gov only returns results from government web pages, most ending in .gov or .mil. This helps you be sure you’re getting official information you can trust.

Read more about searching USA.gov here: https://www.usa.gov/how-to-use

Govinfo.gov

Govinfo.gov provides free public online access to official publications from all three branches of the Federal Government. 

Govinfo is provided by the United States Government Publishing Office (GPO), which is a Federal agency in the legislative branch.

These three components comprise GPO’s world-class system for the comprehensive management of electronic information:

1. Public access - GPO combines modern search technology with extensive metadata creation to ensure the highest quality search experience. Users can easily access documents for free by searching or browsing the mobile-friendly website.
2. Content management – GPO securely controls digital content throughout its lifecycle to ensure content integrity and authenticity. This includes the application of digital signatures to PDF files so users can verify documents have not been altered and are the official versions.
3. Digital preservation – GPO’s ISO 16363  certified Trustworthy Digital Repository ensures content is preserved for future generations despite technical failure, aging of hardware, or technological change.

The Macdonald-Kelce Library is a congressionally designated selective depository for
U.S. Federal Government documents. Public access to the government documents
collection is guaranteed by public law. (Title 44 Chapter 19 United States Code)