Evaluation/Selection

Gov Docs are unique--

• No one else has the information (e.g.  2000 Census)

                           OR

• The publishing agency is the authority ( United States Geological Survey)

                           OR

• Information is produced in only one format (Toxic Release Inventory on CD-Rom)

But... Sometimes other publishers repackage the information  

• Different formats
• Enhance the data
• Add special features like indexing, links, cross-referencing, or advanced searches

These options have to be weighed along with user needs, space available, and (ahem) budget.

Depository Libraries 

• There are fifty regional depository libraries which receive everything the GPO produces.
• Each congressional district has at least two depository libraries which receive a core collection and various selected items.
• Other libraries also select items for their collection based on category and need.
• Depository libraries can be public, academic, or special libraries.

Find a depository library near you:

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