Part II: What should depository librarians be doing?

Part II: What should depository librarians be doing?

Every librarian at an FDL is a depository librarian. Each librarian must be aware that they are the library’s instrument for carrying out their FDLP obligations. They must be aware of and devote time as appropriate to carrying out their FDLP duties. They should view it as an opportunity to promote government information literacy; to provide higher quality reference services with respect to government information; to provide instruction on government information seeking skills and to acquire the skills and expertise to provide these and other government information related public services.

Public Services: Providing Access
There have been many discussions about changes in technology and how the migration of government documents from print to electronic format affects the FDLP. One major change, is that the emphasis of the program has shifted from one that provided access to information by distributing and promoting paper products, to one that arguable, empowers users with informational services such as reference and instructional services delivered both in person and via Web based path finders and tutorials. This is what Arrigo describes as a shift in focus from product to service provider.

Public services with regard to the depository collection should be focused on access and visibility. Depository libraries are required to provide the same or better access to the depository collection as to similar items in the rest of the collection.


Ennis highlights some issues that may come up with regard to online access. A depository library is required to have a policy that mandates free access to government information for all users (Ennis, 64). This means that FDLs must allow all users access to the print collection and access to computers without internet filters for access to the electronic collection (Ennis, 65). Furthermore, the FDL is required to have a well maintained government documents library Web page. GITCO, GODORT's Government Information Technology Committee provides a template of a Web page that can be downloaded and instructions for how to load the template
(Ennis, 66; Government Information Model Web Page Template
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/rts/godort/godortcommittees/gitco/govinfotemplate.cfm).

The Web page, "should tell the users the purpose and goals of the collection, and it should identify the government documents librarian and provide contact information. This Web page is also an opportunity to create finding aids and brief lists of the government resources that are most relevant to the information needs of the library’s patron demographic (Ennis, 66).

FDLs are also expected to market and promote the depository collection (Ennis, 69). The GPO through the FDLP Desktop provides promotional resources for FDLs, including free promotional materials (FDLP Desktop http://www.fdlp.gov/outreach/promotional
resources).

Depository librarians are encouraged to teach government information literacy, and government information seeking skills to library patrons. Depending on the type of library, the nature and content of instruction will differ. Furthermore, with academic libraries, professors should be encouraged to provide their students with links to online government resources. Whether through online tutorials, or in-person instruction, and whether it takes place in the library or through outreach to the larger community, it is important to provide patrons with opportunities to learn more about the value of government information in their lives, and the methods to access this information.