The Federal Depository Library Program: Safety Net for Access.

This article provides information on the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP). The program operate sunder authority of U.S. Code Title 44 and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-130. Chapter 19 of Title 44 gives the Superintendent of Documents responsibility for acquiring, cataloging, and distributing government information to libraries. Title 44 and OMB Circular A-130 require federal agencies to make their publications available for distribution to depository libraries through the Superintendent of Documents. Among the approximately 1,400 depository libraries, 53 regionals receive all publications distributed through the FDLP and are required to retain documents permanently to ensure the availability of archival collections. The FDLP network is in the process of transforming from a tangible collection of print, maps, and microforms to an online collection available to libraries and the public. Funds for the FDLP come from the Superintendent of Documents' budget. Expenditure reports do not specify the portion of this budget used to support the program. The Government Printing Office and the depository libraries are taking steps to increase availability of and access to government information.