Government Publishing Office (GPO) Director Intends to Adopt Task Force Recommendation on a Digital Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP)

From the FDLP/GPO:

The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) Director Hugh Nathanial Halpern has responded to the Feasibility of a Digital Federal Depository Library Program: Report of the GPO Director’s Task Force. In his response, Director Halpern writes that he broadly intends to adopt the Task Force’s recommendations to move to a digital Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) and has accounted for those few areas where the Agency may diverge from the recommendation as written. The Task Force on a Digital Federal Depository Library Program (Task Force), which was appointed by Director Halpern in early 2022, released its report recommending a digital FDLP in December 2022.

Director Halpern’s Letter to the Task Force

“It’s remarkable that you were able to reach consensus with the Task Force’s diverse geographic representation from the depository library community, library associations, and Federal agencies,” said Director Halpern to the Task Force. “This Program is complex, and there are a lot of trade-offs to consider. The FDLP is integral to GPO’s vision of an America Informed, and it is evident that your strong relationships with the library community are vital to the Program’s success.”

Notable responses from Director Halpern include the following:

• GPO will work with libraries to explore specific needs of communities moving to a digital FDLP.
• GPO will identify and engage a consultant to assist with implementation planning and change management for finding, managing, and curating digital collections.
• GPO will participate in dialogue to mitigate digital divides and disparities and provide access to individuals with disabilities.
• GPO will build on existing partnerships with the Library of Congress to expand collaboration and coordination with national libraries and agency publishers.

The Task Force is comprised of 23 members representing the Depository Library Council, the Depository Library Community, Federal Agencies, and library associations.

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