Although FDLP libraries have copies of books that are printed by the Government and distributed by GPO, there’s another way of accessing official, Federal Government information: govinfo.gov. govinfo provides free electronic access to publications from the Federal Government like the Congressional Record, the Federal Register, Public and Private Laws, and the United States Code. Each day, govinfo is updated with new content; check there for the official documents of the U.S. Government.

The Printing Act of 1895 brought about the transfer of the Superintendent of Documents to GPO, a reform that capped years of effort by Congress to devise an efficient and effective system for ensuring public access to Government information. In 1813, the 13th Congress enacted a resolution providing for the distribution of documents on a regular basis to such institutions for the Congress and "every future Congress." This was the statutory antecedent to what was to become the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP). Libraries that participate in the FDLP provide access and reference services to members of the public seeking Federal government information assistance. Search the Federal Depository Library Directory to find a Federal Depository Library near you.

Libraries

In 2013, GPO signed an official partnership with the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). Representatives from AASL are collaborating with GPO in reviewing the content for Ben’s Guide; in addition, AASL volunteers are developing lesson plans linked from this site. Click on the AASL logo for more information.