The United States federal government is the largest publisher in the world. Every day the U.S. Government issues congressional bills, laws, regulations, presidential documents, studies, and more on a variety of topics. The Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) was established by Congress to ensure that the American public has access to its Government's information. The FDLP is administered by the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO).
Depository Libraries
Since 1813, select U.S. Government documents have been made available throughout the United States and its territories to designated libraries. These designated libraries are called Federal depository libraries.
Federal depository libraries display the symbol above to indicate their participation in FDLP. Search the GPO's Directory to locate a depository library near you.
As members of the FDLP, depository libraries play a prominent role in providing Federal Government information to the public. FDLP libraries collaborate on a local and national level to provide informed access to both historical and current Federal Government resources distributed through the FDLP and deposited libraries across the country.
Anyone can visit Federal depository libraries and use the Federal depository collections which are filled with information on careers, business opportunities, consumer information, health and nutrition, legal and regulatory information, demographics, and numerous other subjects.
The authority for the FDLP and the legal obligations of designated Federal depository libraries are found in 44 United States Code §§1901-1916 (PDF).
The James A. Zimble LRC has been a selective depository library since 1983 (depository number 0241C). The University of Maryland, College Park is the regional depository library serving Maryland and the District of Columbia.
As a selective depository library, the LRC collects and provides access to a selection of government documents particularly relevant to our users. Our collection focuses on medicine, health sciences, and the military.
