Problems and issues affecting the U.S. depository library program and the GPO

Abstract

Decreasing federal funds, potentially conflicting legislative initiatives, and the introduction of electronic products and services as primary mediums for dissemination of government information have intensified many longstanding problems with the U.S. Depository Library Program (DLP). In addition, virtually every aspect of the DLP, from the definition of a government document to the role of the private sector in the production and distribution of government information. is being reexamined. In this paper, a group of practicing documents librarians explore these issues and offer a variety of options for their resolution. They also take a critical look at the U.S. Government Printing Office and suggest how, in an ideal environment, it might be reorganized to better meet the needs of libraries as well as the producers and users of government information.