U.S. Government Documents at the Walker Library

About the U.S. Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP)

The Walker Library is a selective Federal Depository Library which currently receives approximately 24% of the materials available, including electronic resources. The Regional Depository for Tennessee is at the University of Memphis which receives 100% of FDLP materials. Depository libraries do not actually own the material, but are required to preserve it, provide access, and make it available for use.

Government Printing Office (GPO)

The Government Printing Office (GPO) distributes materials to depository libraries based on selection criteria. Depository libraries select materials using item numbers. These numbers may correspond to one title or multiple titles and may be distinguished by format. All depository titles are assigned a Superintendent of Documents (SuDoc) classification number by GPO. SuDoc classification is based on government agency rather than subject. Both the item number and SuDoc number are useful identifying numbers for Government Document materials. Electronic materials may be part of our selection list and managed by the FDLP. The library catalog can be used to search government documents, including electronic resources. For more information see FDLP's website and GPO's website.

Access to Government Documents

Federal depository materials can be used in the library by all MTSU students, faculty and staff and the general public. Much of the material also circulates, but there are some restrictions depending on format or patron status.

FDLP Internet Use Policy

The Walker Library provides the public with free access to government information available on the internet without age or residency restrictions in accordance with the FDLP Internet Use Policy Guidelines and MTSU's Information Technology Resources Policy.

Government Information Resources

Online Resources

A significant amount of government information is currently available online. In addition to Congressional materials, government information includes publications from U.S. Government agencies, departments and offices. Online resources can be found using the library's online catalog (Voyager) or various search engines and websites. Here are links to some discovery tools:

Materials in the Library

The Library classifies much of its depository items with Dewey classification numbers and integrates them into the Main collection or Reference collection. Most maps are shelved in Reference in the map case or on the Reference shelves. Microfiche are filed in the Microfiche section by SuDoc number. Some other printed materials are shelved in the Government Documents area in the Microtext room on the 2nd floor. These are usually pamphlets or flyers that are difficult to process for the regular shelves. Congressional materials are also shelved in the Microtext room.

Congress, Laws and Regulations

The Walker Library has congressional materials including documents, reports and hearings available in print and microfiche. Congressional materials are also available online. Materials, including online versions, can be searched using the Library's Voyager catalog.

Congressional Record

The Congressional Record is the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress. The daily issues are eventually replaced by bound volumes. The libary's print copies are located on the 2nd floor in the Microtext room. The online version can be found at Congressional Record.

Statutes at Large and United States Code

Each bill that becomes law is published and known as a slip law. They can be searched using Voyager or at Public Laws. These slip laws then get bound as the Statutes at Large for each congressional session. They are arranged chronologically. The library's bound Statutes at Large can be found in the Reference section. Eventually these laws become part of the United States Code which is arranged by subject. It is available online at U.S. Code. For more information see Private and Public Laws.

Additional Online Tools for Congressional Materials

Regulations

The Federal Register is the daily publication of rules and regulations of federal agencies. The Federal Register is available online at Federal Register. It is codified into The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The library's copy of the printed CFR is in Reference. For more information see About CFR or About Federal Register.