Government documents are publications issued by federal and state governments that are organized using the SuDoc call number system. The federal government printing office (GPO) prints and distributes most federal publications. The SuDoc call number divides publications into departments and sub-agencies identified in the stem and individual publication numbers identified after the colon. Most government agencies now make publications available online in addition to printed versions distributed to depository libraries.

1. Government Documents and the World Wide WebKelly M. Wilsonkelly.wilson@eagles.usm.edu

2. What are Government Documents?Government Documents are publications issued by both the federal and state governments. These publications are arranged by the SuDoc call number system.The federal government publications are printed, bound, and distributed by the Government Printing Office (GPO).January 8, 20112Computer Applications in Libraries

3. SuDoc“SuDoc” stands for Superintendent of DocumentsThe SuDoc call number system is not a decimal system.The SuDoc call number is divided into two sections that are separated by a colon:The stem is the section to the left of the colonThe individual item or book number is the section to the right of the colon.January 8, 20113Computer Applications in Libraries

4. SuDocThe stem of the call number contains the information on the governmental department, sub-agency of the department, and the specific series designation.The individual item or book number is the most specific part of the call number in that it specifies a single item.January 8, 20114Computer Applications in Libraries

5. SuDocHere is an example of a SuDoc call number:I 19.3:1565I = the governmental department, in this case “I” stands for the Department of the Interior.19 = the sub-agency, in this case “19” stands for the United States Geological Survey (USGS).3: = “3” is indicative of bulletins1565 = this number is the given book number for the item. January 8, 20115Computer Applications in Libraries

6. GPOMost, if not all, departments and their sub-agencies produce publications through the Government Printing Office (GPO). GPO was created in March of 1861 under President Buchanan.http://www.stanford.edu/group/ic/cgi-bin/drupal2/taxonomy/term/65January 8, 20116Computer Applications in Libraries

7. FDLPTwo forms of Depository Libraries: Regional and Selective. Regional libraries must keep a print version of all materials sent out by the GPO. Selective libraries may keep only a portion of the government materials.This information and more can be found on the FDLP’s website: www.fdlp.govJanuary 8, 20117Computer Applications in Libraries

8. Government AgenciesThe following is a list of government agencies and their website.Department of Commerce (includes Census Bureau)http://www.commerce.gov/Library of Congresshttp://www.loc.gov/index.htmlDepartment of the Treasury (includes IRS)http://www.treasury.gov/Pages/default.aspxJanuary 8, 20118Computer Applications in Libraries

9. Government AgenciesMore agencies:Social Security Administrationhttp://www.ssa.gov/NASAhttp://www.nasa.gov/Department of Homeland Security http://www.dhs.gov/index.shtmDepartment of Justice (Includes FBI)http://www.justice.gov/January 8, 20119Computer Applications in Libraries

10. On the Web…Today, more and more agencies are making their publications available online. While there are a large quantity of publications still being printed, most can now be found online.January 8, 201110Computer Applications in Libraries

11. Thank You!Does anyone have a question?http://school.discoveryeducation.com/clipart/clip/question.htmlJanuary 8, 201111Computer Applications in Libraries