These publications, also called documents, are shipped to the library on a regular basis and come in a variety of formats. They may be books, periodicals, microfiche, maps, pamphlets, or electronic products. Documents not only provide information about the government and its activities, but cover other fields as well. Many have general appeal, such as health, business, crime, science, and education. Others are more technical in nature and include research reports, hearings, laws, and regulations.
Governments also publish bibliographies on a broad range of subjects.
GPO Access and Stat-USA are two services that make a number of government publications available on the web. The bulk of the collection is located on the main floor of the library. Most are paper documents and are shelved in the documents collection. A small percentage is found in the reference stacks and the general book collection. Some electronic products are linked on the library's database menu and the CD-ROMs are filed in a cabinet in the reference area.