The US government funds research with the expectation that new ideas and discoveries will propel science, stimulate the economy, and improve the lives and welfare of Americans. Enhancing access to this federally funded research through libraries improves use by the public, provides for effective archiving strategies for these resources, and ensures accountability of the federal investment.
The federal government is also the largest producer of information in the US. Research libraries are long-standing partners in the Federal Depository Library Program, one means to ensure accessible, effective, and long-term access to government information. ARL advocates for these and other information resources to be accessible for all users, regardless of physical or cognitive disabilities.
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ARL Comments on GPO’s 2023–2027 Strategic Plan
In May 2022, ARL submitted comments on the Government Publishing Office (GPO) 2023–2027 strategic plan. The comments, which were informed by ARL’s depository library members, encourage GPO to build on...
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Demand Progress Letter Requesting Congress to Direct the Congressional Research Services (CRS) to Publish All Non-Confidential CRS Reports Online
On December 13, 2021, ARL signed onto a letter by Demand Progress asking Members of the Joint Committee on the Library to publish CRS reports online, in accordance with the...
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Demand Progress Letter in Support of Access to Congressionally Mandated Reports Act Legislation
On November 5, 2021, ARL signed onto a letter by Demand Progress asking Senate leadership to consider the Access to Congressionally Mandated Reports Act (ACMRA), which would strengthen congressional oversight...
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Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP)
Recognizing the need to centralize government printing and to establish a mechanism to provide US citizens with no-fee access to federal government information, Congress passed the Printing Act of 1895...
