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 [ PDF version ] [ Back Issues ] --------------------------------------------------------------------- March 15, 2002 GP 3.16/3-2:23/04 (Vol. 23, no. 04) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Access and Federal Depository Libraries [The following talking points were drawn up to facilitate discussion at the Council session scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23.] Recent events have had a dramatic impact on information dissemination policies at the Federal, state, and local government levels. Withdrawal of Federally published information has received a great deal of attention recently in the depository library community. However, free public access to information may also be adversely affected by policies implemented by depository libraries themselves. These policies also merit close scrutiny and discussion. Free public access to Federal Government information is of paramount importance to the Library Programs Service. It is at the core of the Federal Depository Library Program, as mandated by Title 44, U.S. Code, Chapter 19. According to the Instructions to Depository Libraries, July 2000, Free access as defined by GPO means that any member of the general public can use Government information products in all media at the library without impediments. Providing free access by the general public to the resources of the documents collection, including electronic resources, is a fundamental obligation of all Federal depository libraries.... Access policies, posting of signs, World Wide Web pages, and public service hours for depository patrons must conform to this requirement. Depository libraries must ensure that their security or access policies, or those of their parent bodies, do not hinder public access to depository materials. Recent instances of impediments to patron access in depository libraries include: * Service hours are limited, i.e., 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. weekdays only. Depository materials are located in locked rooms without access except during these hours. * Government publications are located in closed stacks, and access is not provided because of limited public service hours, limited cataloging, and limited indexes. * Government publications are placed in reserve areas, and identification is required for using the material, even in the library. * Government publications are located in offsite storage facilities, but the material is not cataloged or available for browsing, or retrieval time is longer than 24 hours. * Age limitations are imposed for library patrons. Most commonly, children under the age of 16 cannot use the library unless accompanied by an adult or other responsible individual. * Age limitations are imposed for computer terminal use. Again, these limitations are most commonly applied to children under the age of 16. * Internet access is limited. Filtering software is employed, or access is restricted to .mil or .gov sites, with other sites added at the discretion of the library. * Identification is required for computer users. New policies are not needed to address these issues, which are covered under existing policies: Guidelines for the Federal Depository Library Program Instructions to Depository Libraries, July 2000 FDLP Internet Use Policy Guidelines Depository Library Public Service Guidelines for Government Information in Electronic Formats Managing the FDLP Electronic Collection: A Policy and Planning Document Steps that libraries can take to check their own "Access Issues" include: * Checking the library for signs that may have a "chilling" effect on public patrons, i.e., "Private," "Not open to the general public," "Open only to authorized persons," "College ID required for admittance." * Reviewing the library's policies and procedures, especially those dealing with age, material placed on reserve, and computer access. * Searching the library's or parent institution's web pages for limiting policies that depository staff may not know have been developed, implemented, and posted for users to see. * Taking a fresh look at where the depository operation is situated: is it visible or is it hidden away in a basement? * For integrated collections, reviewing the cross-training of staff in other departments. Is the reference staff trained to identify depository resources that are relevant to patron requests, even if the patron has not specifically requested U.S. Government information? * Reviewing hours of operation and service for adverse impact on public access. Have there been reference and support staff hour cuts, essentially preventing anyone with a traditional working schedule from accessing the depository material? * Verifying whether identification is required to use depository resources, in either tangible or online formats.