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FDLP Resource Guides
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FDLP Coordinator Calendar: February

Suggested tasks, tips, training, and other resources for busy depository coordinators.

FDLP Tip of the Month

Remember to make sure you are signed up for FDLP News & Events Announcements.  Coordinators have to be; for everyone else, it’s just interesting and useful!  

Reference Resource of the Month

Need to know what the weather was on the day you were born or another significant day? Climate Data Online from NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information provides free access to an extensive archive of historical weather and climate data. 

For example, on February 11, 1986 (the day of Public Law 99-244, creating National Black (Afro-American) History Month) it was snowing in various places in the U.S.: 

Snowfall map

Image of the Month

Penguins

Penguin gathering on top of iceberg. 
Photo credit: Lieutenant Philip Hall, NOAA Corps. 

From the NOAA Photo Library

Task of the Month

What's your cataloging situation?

Depository libraries are required to have a "piece level inventory" of their depository collection. That means, do you know about every piece of material in the collection - that you have it, what it is, and where it is?  Scenarios might include:

  • Everything is fully cataloged in your OPAC.  You have check-in records for all the serials, all the microfiche and maps/map indexes are in there, and  it's retrospective. Clap your hands, you're done!
  • Some or most is cataloged in the OPAC, but some isn't (very common situation).  You have in-house inventories or a shelflist for some or all of the material that isn't in the catalog.
  • Some is in the OPAC, but a lot is not.  There may or may not be any shelflist or other inventory of the collection.

Take some time to evaluate where all the bibliographic records are for your depository collection, and what your methods have been over time.  If you have material that is completely uncataloged, start to plan for how you can get that material cataloged or inventoried in a database or spreadsheet.

Agency of the Month

Commerce Department    Commerce seal

The Commerce Department was formed in 1913 when the existing Department of Commerce and Labor split in two. Now, the department does...a lot, as their description in the U.S. Government Manual indicates: "The Department of Commerce promotes the Nation's domestic and international trade, economic growth, and technological advancement by fostering free enterprise worldwide, supporting fair trade, compiling social and economic statistics, protecting Earth's physical resources, granting patents and registering trademarks, and assisting small and minority-owned businesses."

Within the Commerce Department are:

FDLP Cataloging Webcast

Trivia / Social Media Suggestions

Did you know NOAA has a database of Wrecks and Obstructions that appear on their nautical charts?  

The Census Bureau provides interesting ready-made infographics and data visualizations.

10 Black history facts you may not know

Holidays, Special Days, and Observances

Patent and Trademark Resource Centers

Similar to the FDLP, Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) are a nationwide network of libraries. These centers help the public with trademark and patent assistance.

Census News Feed

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