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U.S. Government Information Policies & Procedures

Related Depository Policies Related Dupré Library Policies

Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) LogoPublic Access and Services PoliciesFederal Depository Library Program (FDLP) Logo

Mission & Objectives

  • To provide free access to government information and information products, regardless of format, to the University's students, faculty, and staff, and the general public. This is in accordance with Chapter 19, Title 44 of the U.S. Code
  • To provide reference and research services to assist users in locating and using government information
  • To maintain bibliographic control with required processing, cataloging, and piece-level record-holding
  • To promote public awareness of depository services
  • To continue to develop a depository collection to support the information needs of the depository community

Reference & Research Services

Government information reference services, in-person and online, are provided from the Reference & Research Services department (Public Services) and the U.S. Government Information department (Special Collection Services). The departments are staffed by reference and research librarians, and the depository coordinator, the Government Information department head. Reference service hours are equal to the number of hours that Dupré Library is open.

  • General public users of federal depository government information resources will be provided access and services comparable to those for UL Lafayette students, faculty, and staff.
  • All reference services personnel have some level of training in the use of government information, including electronic sources. Referrals are made to the Head of Government Information, as needed. Training sessions in the use of new electronic products or online databases are conducted by the depository coordinator/Government Information department head.
  • Library research instruction sessions in the use of government information include general and specialized subject resources and tools to access government information.
  • Research guides and bibliographies, general and subject/course-specific covering government information is available.
  • Many Library research and subject guides include government information resources, both depository and non-depository.
  • Social media services are incorporated within the library's public and research services.

Internet Access And Use

  • Public access to the Internet is provided for searching Federal depository and other government information resources.
  • Internet access is provided throughout Dupré Library at computers in the Reference Online Center (ROC) Lab, STEP Lab, stand-alone workstations, and via wireless connections. Guest access to the wireless network is available via registration.
  • Depository users, other general public users, and visitors – Designated guest login information is provided for Library workstations that require university authentication.
  • Use of workstations for government information searching is subject to the Internet use policies of both Dupré Library and the University.
  • Users will not be required to present identification to use computers designated for depository usage.
  • Filtering software is not installed on computers designated for depository usage.
  • Sign-up sheets, time limits, and special passwords may be imposed at the discretion of Reference & Research Services.
  • Use or access may be mediated or unmediated.

Equipment & Facilities

  • Reference Online Center (ROC) Lab computers and other stand-alone computers are available throughout Dupré Library for public users to search for government information.
  • Downloading and scanning options are available from computer labs throughout the library for all users.
  • Printing for the general public using depository services is available. For assistance, inquire at the Reference Desk.
  • Microfilm scanners, readers and printers are available for use by all users in the Reference Online Center (ROC) Lab on the 1st floor and the Jefferson Caffery Reading Room on the 3rd floor.
  • The depository library complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act in the provision of access to depository services, materials, and equipment for those with disabilities or special needs. Additional information is available from the library's Accessibility Services Policy.

Locations of Depository Materials

Paper

Located in both the main stacks and the government documents stacks, which are open stacks. Selected Louisiana related publications are located within the closed stacks area of Special Collections.

Microforms

Filed in microfiche cabinets near documents stacks. Some titles located in the Microforms. Readex Microprint collections located in government documents stacks.

Electronic Products

CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, DVDs, Video, or Audio Cassettes filed in multi-media cabinets.

Maps, Atlases, Posters

Located in government documents map/atlas cases, stacks, or Louisiana Room (Louisiana USGS quadrangle maps)

Internet Access

Provided throughout Dupré Library at computers in the Reference Online Center (ROC) Lab, STEP Lab, stand-alone stations, and via wireless connections. Designated guest login information is provided for Library workstations that require university authentication.

Additional Public Service Guidelines for Government Information in Electronic Formats

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette depository library provides free access to government information in electronic and digital formats. The formats/media include online/digital publications/collections, DVD-ROM, DVD, CD-ROM, audio-CD, video-cassette tape (VHS ), audio-cassette tape, and others as disseminated by the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP). Public services for these products equal those services for other general and special collections of Dupré Library.

  • Levels of technical support to access the data or information may vary depending on the specific publication and format.
  • Dupré Library will make every attempt to provide access in a reasonable and timely manner. Arrangements for appointments or consultations will be made when extensive assistance is requested and can be provided (format and technical requirements, permitting).
  • At a minimum, the Government Information and Reference Services personnel will have knowledge or awareness of the software and hardware requirements necessary for accessing the information or publication. Basic search guides, technical documentation, manuals, or installation instructions will be provided when available. Dupré Library is not required to provide training in the manipulation of data or report generation.
  • Statistical software packages such as SAS or SPSS and GIS software (except LANDVIEW) are not available at the depository library. Some of these are provided to UL Lafayette students, faculty, and staff from the University's Computing Services and other labs or departments on campus.

[ Last Revised on May 9, 2023 ]