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FDLP Resource Guides
Beginning summer 2023, we are updating our guides. You may notice changes to the look and feel of our existing guides. If you have any questions or experience any issues, please contact askGPO.

Beyond FDLP.gov

Selected Online Resources: Government Information Librarianship / Issues

Documents to the People (ALA GODORT) "The official publication of the Government Documents Round Table (GODORT) of the American Library Association (ALA). DttP features articles on local, state, national, and international government information, government activities, and documents the professional activities of GODORT."

Free Government Information (FGI) "A place for initiating dialogue and building consensus among the various players (libraries, government agencies, non-profit organizations, researchers, journalists, etc.) who have a stake in the preservation of and perpetual free access to government information. FGI promotes free government information through collaboration, education, advocacy and research."

Help! I'm an Accidental Government Information Librarian Webinars (ALA GODORT) These are "a series of webinars designed to help us all do better reference work by increasing our familiarity with government information resources, and by discovering the best strategies for navigating them."  Note that all government jurisdictions are covered, including Federal. The series was previously hosted by the the North Carolina Library Association.

Government Information Day (Indiana State Library) "Government Information Day, or GID, is a free biennial conference for librarians interested in learning about government resources and improving information literacy. The conference is typically held at the Indiana State Library, and serves as an excellent networking opportunity for Indiana or government documents librarians."

U.S. Federal Government Information Competencies for Beginning Government Information and General Reference Librarians (ALA GODORT Education Committee)  Although somewhat dated, this resource highlights essential, recommended, and useful competencies as well as Principles of Government Information and recommended library resources from government and other sources. It can help support for development of skills for new librarians or those taking on responsibility for government information.

Discussion Lists

GovDoc-L: A discussion forum about government information and the FDLP.  Moderated by fellow government information librarians from several libraries, GovDoc-L is a critical current awareness and news resource for depository librarians.

DocTech-L: A discussion list "devoted to questions regarding the technical processing of Government Documents", hosted by Utah State University Library staff.

Law-Lib: A discussion list for law librarians from all types of law and court libraries and others with an interest in law librarianship.

Maps-LA discussion list for map librarians and other librarians working with cartographic information.

Don't forget to check into discussion lists offered within your state or region.

Regional depository coordinators, sign up for Regional-L, which is a closed list available to regional depository staff.  Contact other regional coordinators or GPO for assistance with this if needed.