This paper reports on a study of librarian initiated publications discovery (LIPD) in U.S. state digital depository programs using the OCLC Digital Archive to preserve web-based government publications for permanent public access. This paper describes a model of LIPD processes based on empirical investigations of four OCLC DA-based digital…

Discusses the increasing demand for digital reference services from government Web sites via email, and describes a partnership between the Government Printing Office and the federal depository library at the University of Illinois at Chicago to create electronic access to the Department of State Foreign Affairs Network (DOSFAN). (Author/LRW)

The legal framework covering government information procurement, production, and dissemination has been in place for over 100 years. Congress is currently developing revisions to the U.S. Code to reform this system. Fundamental principles of public access, embodied in the Federal Depository Library Program, must guide these revisions, and…

Discusses the Wright State University (Ohio) Library policy directive on customer service, and suggests this document as a model to follow in setting up service standards or guidelines for depository-library services. Draft-depository library public-service guidelines for government information in electronic format are appended. (JAK)

Addresses perceived problems of the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) and the Government Printing Office (GPO) relative to a foundering program, electronic capabilities, costs to participating libraries, inefficient service, and accountability requirements. Unfavorable images have resulted and have been used by advocacy groups to bring the…

Provides a starting point from which individual libraries can evaluate continuation of their depository status. Many of the basic questions that a library needs to address are explored. Issues covered include availability of government information on the Internet, costs, and incentives. Recommended specifications for public workstations in…

In today's electronic environment, government information librarians face new challenges, especially in the arena of quality public-service provision. Given the lack of clear guidelines that Federal Depository Library Program participants follow, and based upon suggested guidelines of reference-oriented literature, a new set of public services…

Discusses the Government Printing Office (GPO) plan for the transition to an electronic Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) that, through a network of partnerships comprised of the GPO, the National Archives and Records Administration, federal agencies, and FDLP libraries, will increase public access to government information. (JAK)