GCSU Depository Library
Policies
Documents Mission Statement
The GCSU Library was designated as a selective Government Depository as part of the Federal Depository Library Program in 1950. As a selective depository, GCSU collects over 25% of available government publications. The purpose of the Government Documents Collection is to provide open access to government information by all citizens, to support the academic and curriculum needs of the university community, and to meet the requirements set forth by the Government Printing Office.
Government Documents Access Policy
Access to the Print/Microform Collection
Printed government documents are located on the third floor of the Library and Information Technology Center, as are the map collection, and the CD-ROM/DVD/Videotape collection. Documents in these collections can be checked out for three weeks by eligible borrowers.
Some documents may be located in the Reference Collection (2nd floor), the Periodicals Collection (1st and 2nd floors) or, in the case of microfilm and microfiche, in the Copy Room on the Second floor. These documents can not be checked out.
All documents are available for browsing during regular library hours by the university community and the general public. In addition, all circulating Documents are available for Interlibrary Loan.
The Library has copy machines available in the Copy Room on the 2nd floor. The copiers use a card system for accepting payment. A visitor's card is available for purchase from a vending machine in the copy room.
The returned Documents area is located behind the Circulation Desk. The Documents staff checks the area daily and reshelves documents.
Access to Online Government Information
The GCSU Library provides workstation for patron use in the Reference Department on the 2nd floor. There are also a limited number of workstations scattered throughout the third floor. These workstations are not equipped with Internet blocking software. Workstation users are expected to comply with the Library's Public Computer Use Policies & Procedures.
The Reference Department workstations are connected to a printer in the Copy Room. The printer uses the same card system as the photocopiers. No cash is accepted for copying.
The Documents Librarian will create and maintain web pages to aid in finding and accessing government information.
Copyright
Although documents produced by the Federal government are generally not copyrighted, there are exceptions. These can include a document created by a hired contractor or a document (such as a Congressional Report) that may contain copyrighted information. Check the document you are using to determine copyright status. For more information see the Frequently Asked Questions About Copyright from CENDI Federal STI managers group.
Lost/Damaged Documents
- If the document is still in print and available the library charges the cost of the document plus the library's standard processing fee.
- If the document is out of print the library charges $0.12 per page, the cost of photocopying the document, plus the standard processing fee.
Evaluation
The evaluation of the collection is an ongoing process as outlined in "Criteria for Item Selection and Sources." The Documents Librarian and Associate continually assess, review, and update the collection with regard to the University's mission as Georgia's Public Liberal Arts University, community needs, and support of Academic programs.
Sources for Regulations
The law governing depository libraries as well as regulations and procedures for the administration of the collection are contained in:
- Title 44: United States Code.
- Instructions to Depositories. U.S. Superintendent of Documents. (GP 3.26:D 44/977).
Statistics
Daily statistics are kept on the number of items added to, or deleted from, the documents collections. These statistics are compiled monthly and made available to the Documents Librarian.