What is the Federal Depository Library Program?

The FDLP coordinates distribution of tangible Government documents to the nearly 1,150 Federal depository libraries across the U.S. and its territories; provides high-quality searching, access, and retrieval to a wide variety of online information; and provides bibliographic control for all Government information within its statutory scope. The mission of the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) is to provide free, ready, and permanent public access to Federal Government information, now and for future generations.

Every day the U.S. Government issues congressional bills, laws, regulations, presidential documents, studies, and other documents on a variety of topics. The Federal Depository Library Program (44 U.S.C. § 19), administered by the U.S. Government Publishing Office, was established by Congress in 1813 to ensure that the American public has access to Government information in depository libraries throughout the U.S. and its territories. Members of Congress may designate up to two qualified libraries.

Where Can I Find a Depository Library?

You can visit and use the collections free of charge at any of our Nation’s 1,150 Federal depository libraries. Locate a Federal depository library near you.

What Resources Will I Find at a Depository Library?

With a network of librarians to provide expert reference assistance and facilitate access to materials located at other libraries, you will find:

  • information on health, careers, business opportunities, the military, science, technology, travel, nutrition, and more
  • books, maps, microfiche, journals, and periodicals
  • access to digital Government information resources
  • historical publications dating back to the early days of the United States
  • Federal depository libraries collaborate with one another to provide a vast array of unique historical and current Federal documents and they carry a collection of basic titles available for immediate use.

Where can I find the Depository Collection at Yuma Main Library?

The FDLP government documents collection is located on the second floor of the Main Library next to the Arizona Room. If you have questions accessing any of these materials a librarian is available to assist. In questions regarding the FDLP government documents collection please call the reference desk at 928-373-6514.

Federal Websites

  • https://www.govinfo.gov/
    • A service of the United States Government Publish Office (GPO) that provides free public access to official publications from the three branches of the Federal Government.
  • https://www.covid.gov/tests
    • An official website of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Provides information to the public on how and where to obtain at-home COVID tests, locate free testing sites, and frequently asked questions about COVID testing.
  • https://www.usa.gov/
    • The official website for the U.S. Government. The website is designed to improve the public’s interaction with the U.S. government and provides links to every federal agency and to state, local, and tribal governments. USA.gov is the most comprehensive site about the US government.
  • https://www.congress.gov/
    • The official website for U.S. federal legislative information. Find information about the U.S. Congress legislation, Congressional Record debates, members of congress, and the legislative branch and process.
  • https://www.benefits.gov/
    • This site is the U.S. Government's single source of benefit information to help citizens understand which benefit programs they may be eligible for, or how to apply. This site provides information on Social Security, healthcare and medical assistance, food assistance programs or any other benefit available to the American public.
  • https://www.census.gov/
    • The United States Census Bureau provides data about the United States’ people, places, and economy.
  • https://www.irs.gov/
    • Provides information on how to file your taxes and download tax forms and instruction booklets.
  • https://www.house.gov/
    • The official website for the U.S. House of Representatives.
  • https://www.senate.gov/ 
    • The official website for the U.S. Senate.
  • The Catalog of U.S. 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.
  • https://bensguide.gpo.gov/
    • Ben's Guide to the U.S. Government, a service of the Government Publishing Office (GPO), is designed to inform students, parents, and educators about the Federal Government.
  • https://www.supremecourt.gov/
    • The official website for the U.S. Supreme Court.

State Websites

  • https://www.azleg.gov/
    • The official website for the Arizona State Legislature. By visiting this website, users can find Information about state legislators, state laws, track bills as they pass through the legislative process, and learn about standing committees and their members.
  • https://azsos.gov/
    • The official website for the Arizona Secretary of State. This website provides information on Arizona state elections, how to vote, how to establish a trademark, and notary publics in Arizona.
  • https://des.az.gov/
    • The site for the Arizona Department of Economic Security provides information on food assistance programs, unemployment benefits, and other assistance programs. Find downloadable forms for the different benefit programs.
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