Amendment to the July 2000 Instructions to Depository Libraries

(Amended 2003) 

Chapter 7: Public Service, Section A. Access 

A. Access 

Free access as defined by GPO means that any member of the general public can use Government information 

products in all media at the library without impediments. Providing free access by the general public to the 

resources of the documents collection, including electronic resources, is a fundamental obligation of all Federal 

depository libraries (except for the highest State appellate court libraries). 

During a depository library inspection, LPS uses a functional approach to determine compliance with the 

Minimum Technical Requirements for Computer Workstations. Inspectors focus on the library's ability to 

provide public access to CD-ROMs, the FDLP Electronic Collection and GPO Access. The method selected by 

the depository library to meet this public access requirement is a local determination. 

Access policies, posting of signs, World Wide Web pages, and public service hours for depository patrons must 

conform to this requirement. Depository libraries must ensure that their security or access policies, or those of 

their parent bodies, do not hinder public access to depository materials. 

The library is always encouraged to provide free and uninhibited public access; however, local depository 

library administrators may set implementation policies for public access. If the library determines a necessary 

security precaution is to require identification for use of library resources by public patrons, the library may ask 

for identification. Staff must be mindful of local, state, and Federal privacy laws. 

Depository libraries shall post a sign or the depository emblem in a prominent location, preferably visible from 

the exterior of the library, indicating the library is a Federal depository and Government information products 

can be used by the general public without charge. Free decals can be obtained by writing to: U.S. Government 

Printing Office, Promotion and Advertising Branch, Stop: SM, Washington, DC 20401. 

Signage or any verbal, electronic, or tangible message that limits access to a depository library must be 

amended to exempt members of the public wishing to use the library’s depository collection. Requests for 

recommendations on appropriate signage may be directed to the Chief, Depository Services, at 

asklps@gpo.gov. 

Depositories are not required to serve patrons who do not have a depository-related need to be in the library. 

Depository users must adhere to the same standards of behavior expected of other library patrons. Libraries that 

implement age restrictions usually do so for reasons that should be handled by a library’s code of conduct 

policy. Use of the depository collection cannot be used as a pretext to circumvent library policies or Title 44, 

USC, Chapter 19. 

GPO recognizes legitimate security concerns of depository libraries and has permitted various methods for 

administrators to heighten security for their facilities and personnel. Permissible actions include asking for 

patrons for identification, asking users to sign a guest register, asking questions that screen users to make sure 

that the library has what they need, and even escorting users to the depository collection. 
Such actions in no way violate the responsibility of depository libraries to provide free access to the depository 

collection to the general public under 44 USC section 1911. Under a strict interpretation of the statute, the 

public patron may be limited to using only the depository collection. Additionally, depository libraries have the 

right to bar or remove any individual who poses a threat to library staff, other patrons, or the security of their 

collections. 

The library director or the director's designee should ensure that all appropriate employees are aware of the free 

access requirements of Federal depository libraries. If there is any question that access procedures at a 

depository could be seen as inhibiting free public access, the library should contact GPO at the address below: 

Chief, Depository Services 

Library Programs Service (SLLD) 

U.S. Government Printing Office 

Washington, DC 20401 

Phone: (202) 512-1119 

Fax: (202) 512-1432 

E-mail: asklps@gpo.gov 

Libraries that offer night and weekend service hours to their primary clientele must provide comparable service 

hours to depository patrons.