This library is a congressionally designated depository for U.S. Government documents. Public access to the Government documents collection is guaranteed by public law. (Title 44 United States Code)
The Memphis Public Library is part of the FDLP (Federal Depository Library Program) and has been a designated Depository Library since 1896. Our collection includes material in paper, microfiche, DVD, and electronic documents. The documents are located in the Central Branch Departments and in a storage facility on site as well as our online catalog. Please ask a reference librarian if you need more help in finding a particular document or the information that you need.
Below is a list of essential resources. If you have any questions about accessing information in government documents, you can use the Government Information Online. GIO is a free online information service supported by a number of libraries that are members of the FDLP. Access the GIO HERE.
The FDLP Basic collection
Assistance Listings
Provides detailed, public descriptions of Federal assistance listings available to State and local governments (including the District of Columbia); Federally recognized Indian tribal governments, Territories (and possessions) of the United States; domestic public, quasi- public, and private profit and nonprofit organizations and institutions; specialized groups, and individuals.(For even more information about benefits from the U.S. Government, see the Partners listing.)
Ben’s Guide to the U.S. Government
Presents educational content for the public on the workings of the U.S. Government and U.S. history, with a focus on civics.
Benefits.gov
Benefits.gov provides easy, online access to information from across multiple Federal agencies to help citizens understand which benefit programs they may be eligible for, or how to apply. Information can be found by agency or by category such as disaster relief, health and medical assistance, financial assistance, and where to go for loans.
Budget of the United States Government
Contains the budget message of the President, information about the President’s budget proposals for a given fiscal year, and other budgetary publications issued throughout the fiscal year.
Catalog of U.S. Government Publications
A finding tool for publications from all three branches of the U.S. government. Updated daily, it contains descriptive records for current and historical publications and provides direct links to those online.
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
The annual edition of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
Compilation of Presidential Documents
The official publications of materials released by the White House Press Secretary. Materials include proclamations, executive orders, speeches, statements regarding bill signings and vetoes, nominations and appointments, acts approved by the President, and press releases.
Congress.gov
Provides information about legislative activities, publications, and other related materials for members of Congress and the public.
Congressional Record
The official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress, published daily when Congress is in session.
The Constitution of the United States of America: Analysis and Interpretation
Also known as the Constitution Annotated, includes the U.S. Constitution and analysis and interpretation, with in-text annotations of cases decided by the Supreme Court of the United States.
Economic Indicators
Published monthly by the Council of Economic Advisors for the Joint Economic Committee, provides economic information on GDP, income, employment, production, business activity, prices, money, credit, security markets, Federal finance, and international statistics.
The Economic Report of the President to the Congress
An annual report issued by the Executive Office of the President and the Council of Economic Advisors, providing on overview of economic progress, with extensive data appendices.
Explore Census Data (also known as data.census.gov)
A source for population, economic, housing, and geographic information and data about the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Island areas.
Federal Register
The daily publication of the rules, proposed rules, and notices of Federal agencies and organizations, along with executive orders.
govinfo
A database providing authenticated access to official publications from all three branches of the U.S. Government.
Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH)
A resource for occupational and career information, providing profiles on a majority of jobs in the United States. Profiles describe the work environment, education and training needed, a ten year outlook, and median pay for workers.
Official Congressional Directory
Includes biographical and directory information about members of the House and Senate, committee memberships, terms of service, and related content.
Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States
Official complication of the President’s addresses, writings, and remarks.
Social Security Handbook
Resource for the most common questions about Social Security.
StatsAmerica
StatsAmerica is part of the Indiana Business Research Center at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. It provides statistical information for county, state, and town profiles. The information includes population, housing demographics, labor force, poverty rate, educational attainment, employment, wages, and much more. The data can be downloaded to Excel or Word.
United States Code
The codification by subject matter of the general and permanent laws of the United States, divided by broad subjects into 53 titles.
The United States Government Manual
The official handbook of the U.S. Government, providing information on the agencies from all three branches, quasi-official agencies, international organizations in which the United States participates, boards, commissions, and committees.
United States Reports
Contains the final version of the opinions of the Supreme Court of the United States.
United States Statutes at Large
Contains the permanent laws enacted during each session of Congress.
USA.gov
A subject-based portal to Federal services and resources online. A Spanish site is also available.
Other sites
FDLP Libguides
A collection of government publication resources on various topics created by FDLP libraries across the nation.
MarciveWeb Docs
You can search for all United States government publications issued to federal depository libraries since 1976 using MarciveWeb DOCS. MarciveWeb DOCS is the World Wide Web version of Marcive’s Government Printing Office record database.