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.