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Designation Handbook for Federal Depository Libraries

Preface

This handbook outlines the steps necessary to initiate, carry through, and conclude the designation process. Its intended audience is library administrators seeking depository status and Federal Government officials, including Senators and Representatives, involved in the designating process.

The handbook consolidates three previous publications:

How To Be Designated a Federal Depository Library: A Handbook for Library Administrators Seeking Federal Depository Library Designation;

The Designation Procedure for Federal Agency Depository Libraries: A Handbook for Federal Agency Officials Who Are Seeking Federal Depository Library Designation;

and

The Designation Procedure for Federal Depository Libraries: A Handbook for Senators, Representatives, and Other Officials Who Are Empowered to Designate Federal Depository Libraries.

I. Introduction

The Federal Depository Library Program originated in the early 1800's when a joint resolution of Congress directed that additional copies of the House and Senate Journals and other documents be printed and distributed to institutions outside the Federal establishment.

From that small beginning, the Federal Depository Library Program has grown into a system of over 1250 Federal depository libraries. Depository libraries are public, academic, or other types of libraries which are designated by Members of Congress or by law as official depositories. With few exceptions, all congressional districts and territories of the United States have at least one Federal depository library.

These libraries serve as the primary source for Government information to the people of these areas. Local business people, researchers, students, and many other Americans de- pend on the Federal Depository Library Program for important Government information. An effective Federal depository library can noticeably enhance the economy and the quality of life in its local area. Therefore, the decision as to which library is granted depository library status is very important.