F e d e r a l D e p o s i t o r y L i b r a r y P r o g r a m ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES Newsletter of the Federal Depository Library Program ------------------------------------------------------------------------ July 15, 2001 GP 3.16/3-2:22/11 (Vol. 22, no. 11) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Depository Library Directors' Survey Results Summarized Throughout the five years of the transition to a more electronic Federal Depository Library Program there have been discussions and assumptions about the attitudes of librarians and administrators regarding the progress and effects of the shift to electronic resources. LPS has routinely been asked by Congressional committee staff and by other agencies with an interest in the FDLP questions like "Are libraries going to stay in the FDLP?" In late April, LPS staff developed and conducted an informal poll of 30 directors of depository libraries intended to test some commonly held assumptions about depository libraries in the electronic age, and to establish a basis for further, more rigorous research. The 30 depository libraries contacted included a variety of library types, selected according to the proportional makeup of the FDLP: 50% academic, 20% public, 12% law, and 18% other (including community colleges, state libraries, and courts), as well as a fair geographic distribution. An impressive 29 of the 30 administrators responded to the poll. The poll consisted of nine statements, some positive, some negative, rated on a five-point scale ranging from "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree," each with an opportunity for further comments. The statements were based on comments LPS staff have heard informally in conversations with depository librarians, administrators, and government officials. The poll points to a high level of support among library administrators for the FDLP generally, and for the move to electronic dissemination. For example, 75% of the sample agreed or strongly agreed that the increases in electronic dissemination have made depository designation more relevant to the mission of their libraries. A summary of the results follows this article. LPS is very grateful for the cooperative and very positive response we received to this poll. The information has been helpful already, and clearly points to the need for a larger and more rigorously conducted study to examine these issues. We are hopeful that such a study will take place within the next year. The cooperation of the directors by taking time to respond and in providing thoughtful and candid responses and comments, and in supporting the FDLP are all appreciated. Also of great value was the support of depository librarians in helping to arrange interviews and providing supporting information. Questions about the poll can be directed to Robin Haun-Mohamed, Chief, Depository Services, at , or 202-512-1119. TOTAL SAMPLE Strongly % Agree % Neutral % Disagree % Strongly % Number Agree Disagree Responding Statement 1: 18 62 8 28 1 3 2 7 0 0 29 Depository designation for my library provides access to resources for a specific subgroup of library users or a specific set of user needs which would be difficult for us to serve otherwise. Statement 2: 10 34 12 41 7 24 0 0 0 0 29 Depository designation for my library carries a "cachet" or importance in the community that has value for the library. Statement 3: 20 69 5 17 3 10 1 3 0 0 29 Depository designation provides a single channel for acquiring a body of resources which would otherwise be difficult and/or time consuming for us to acquire. Statement 4: 19 66 6 21 4 14 0 0 0 0 29 Depository designation functions as a channel for us to acquire materials for the collection at low or no cost. Statement 5: 15 52 12 41 2 7 0 0 0 0 29 Users of my library depend on being able to have access to the official, authentic Federal Government information in the depository program. Statement 6: 8 28 16 55 4 14 1 3 0 0 29 The support services within the depository program, such as cataloging, training and continuing education, and depository development through the self-study and inspection process, provide value for my library that the staff are able to translate into public service. Statement 7: 10 34 12 41 3 10 3 10 1 3 29 The increase in the number of online publications in the depository program has made our depository designation more relevant in terms of the mission of the library, and our users needs. Statement 8: 0 0 4 14 2 7 6 21 16 55 29 Because so much Government information is available online, there is a diminished need for a depository program that discovers, catalogs, and assures stable, ongoing access to Government information. Statement 9: 0 0 3 10 2 7 10 34 14 48 29 Because of the many changes in the library environment, it is no longer important to have library staff devoted primarily to government documents.