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Association of Research Libraries

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Prue Adler
Public Access Policies
Federal Depository Library Program

Collection of Last Resort, August 2004

Government Printing Office (GPO) officials have held preliminary discussion with librarians about creating a backup library to supplement federal depository library collections, which is described as a "collection of last resort." ARL submitted a letter to the GPO in support of this proposal.

Some of the benefits of such a collection include:

  • Assurance that over time there will be a trusted means to effectively access federal information resources
  • Expanded access to federal information to the public and libraries alike.
  • New opportunities for libraries to more effectively manage their federal depository library collections.