Equitable access to information by and about the Federal government is essential to an informed electorate. With many new Representatives and Senators in Congress, it is absolutely essential that every legislator be contacted by the depository librarians in his or her district. Members of Congress need to be better informed about the value of depository libraries to their constituents. Depository library staffs are in a unique position to inform legislators about how their constituents are served in depository libraries, and how government information is used. It is important to stress small business uses of government information, for example, and to give specific illustrations.
Depository libraries can also assist Congressional district offices with inquiries from the public.
Key members of Congress have indicated interest in shifting the Federal Depository Library Program to all-electronic distribution. The FDLP is making the transition from dissemination of Government information to libraries in the traditional print formats to the appropriate use of electronic media. Of greatest significance will be the change from the physical dissemination of documents to a system of electronic on-demand delivery of the information. Such delivery, in either image or full text format, offers potential future economies for both libraries and the Government. Depository libraries will also be acting in new roles, serving as intermediaries helping the public find paths to Federal electronic information and providing access to the information via electronic gateways.