Fresno State Library
Government Information
This Library is a selective depository for United States federal and California state government publications. It was designated a Federal depository in 1962, a depository for USGS maps in 1967, and a California state depository in 1945.
The collection covers a broad spectrum of interests, such as water quality, education, AIDS, welfare, government finance, annual reports from agencies, legislative materials, crime, and health issues. The collection is particularly strong in statistical and Congressional information, and material on subjects such as education, public policy, geology, and agriculture.
We provide free public access for government information received through the depository programs.
Access to the Collection
- Most government publications are on open shelves on the First Floor, North Wing, and available to you whenever the library building is open.
- Library guides to Government Information Resources
- Assistance with government information and the library catalog, called OneSearch, is available at the main reference desk on the First Floor, via phone (559.278.2174), email or chat.
- sam hidde tripp (559.278.5788) is the subject specialist for government information.
Depository Library Programs
Federal Depository Library Program
The Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) was established by Congress to ensure that the American public has access to its government's information. Since 1813, depository libraries have safeguarded the public's right to know by collecting, organizing, maintaining, preserving, and assisting users with information from the federal government. The FDLP provides government information at no cost to designated depository libraries throughout the country and territories. These depository libraries, in turn, provide local, no-fee access to government information in an impartial environment with professional assistance.
California State Depository Library Program
In 1945, the California Legislature passed the Library Distribution Act (Government Code 14900 – 14912), which established the depository library program to make California state documents readily available to the citizens of the state.
Other Depository Libraries
Fresno County Public Library
The Fresno County Public Library (FCPL) is a selective federal and a full California depository. It has been a depository for California and the U.S. government documents since 1920, and is the oldest depository library in the Central Valley. Government documents at the FCPL.
Federal Depository Library Directory
To find a federal depository library near you, choose a state from the map or search by state, area code, or congressional district.
California State Document Depositories
List of libraries that receive publications produced or distributed by California state agencies.