Gov Docs: GPO and the University of Minnesota Libraries Sign Agreement on Regional Library Services for the State of Michigan

News from the Government Printing Office:

The U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) and the University of Minnesota Libraries (UMN) have signed an agreement under which UMN will provide regional depository library services to the selective depository libraries in Michigan. Under the agreement, UMN will provide interlibrary loan and reference services, education and training, and related services to Michigan’s depository libraries. In addition, UMN and the Library of Michigan/Michigan Department of Education have entered into a new service agreement that includes the creation of a Regional Depository Library Advisory Group to ensure the needs of all depository libraries within the region served are met.
UMN and Michigan’s depository libraries are part of the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP), administered by GPO. Under the FDLP, GPO partners with approximately 1,200 libraries nationwide to provide the public with free access to Government information in print and digital formats. Most states are served by a regional depository library that is required to retain permanently one copy of all Government publications it receives through the FDLP. The other depository libraries in each state are known as selectives, which may dispose of FDLP titles—in coordination with their regional—after five years. The Library of Michigan relinquished its regional depository designation in 2011. UMN’s offer to provide regional services received strong support from Michigan’s selective depository libraries. UMN has also been providing regional services to South Dakota’s selective depository libraries since 1988.
“The Federal Depository Library Program plays a critical role in serving as the official link between the Government and the public,” said Superintendent of Documents Mary Alice Baish. “GPO supports flexible working relationships within the FDLP to ensure the public continues to have free access to Government information. We commend UMN’s University Librarian Wendy Pradt Lougee for agreeing to assume regional services for Michigan. In addition, we commend Michigan State Librarian Nancy Robertson in partnering with the UMN. These agreements demonstrate a strong commitment to the FDLP and providing an excellent level of services to depository libraries and their users.”

Full Text Announcement (1 page; PDF)
See Also: GPO’s Management of Federal Depository Library Program Faces Increasing Criticism (via Library Journal; October 13, 2011)
See Also: The Future of the FDLP: From Conversation to Confrontation (via Library Journal; December 13, 2011)

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