A selective depository library is "a depository library in the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) that receives only item numbers that fulfill the primary needs of users within the geographic area it is designated to serve, usually based on its stated mission." -Joan M. Rietz, 2014, from Online Dictionary for Library and Information Science.
The Ross Pendergraft Library currently selects approximately 25% of the government publications available through the United States Government Publishing Office (GPO).
The United States 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 Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) is administered by the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO).
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.
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 in 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 Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) and the legal obligations of designated Federal depository libraries are found in 44 United States Code §§1901‐1916.
Learn more about this program at https://fdlp.gov
March 1, 2022 marked the 150th anniversary of the establishment of Yellowstone National Park.
March 3, 1847: Congress authorized United States postage stamps (previously the recipient paid for the mail). The first general issue postage stamps were sold in New York City on July 1, 1847 and cost five or ten cents.
March 4, 1861: GPO opened
March 4, 1873: First issue of the Congressional Record
March 4, 1917: Jeannette Rankin (Montana) became the first woman to serve as a Member of Congress
March 4, 1933: President Franklin D. Roosevelt took office. Read his famous inaugural address ("the only thing we have to fear...").
March 14, 2025: Pi Day
March 22, 2025: World Water Day
March 25, 2025: National Medal of Honor Day
