Government Information: FDLP and More
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Keep America Informed - U.S. FDLP (1813-Present)
Happy 2025!
Explore Guides by Special Topics to navigate government publications across various subjects and themes.
If you have not found what you need, contact Anna Xiong, your FDLP Representative using her contact information on this LibGuide or register her class to learn more.
- New Milestone: National Collection and Four National Collection Service AreasNew milestone of the FDLP services. Article by December 20, 2022.
- How to find and access FDLP publicationsLocal help at Rice for finding and accessing FDLP publications: Contact FDLP Rep Anna Xiong, govhelp@rice.edu, 713.348.6212, office: Fondren Library basement B38A.
- FDLP Mission, Vision, & Values (1831-Present)Keep America Informed! The FDLP vision, mission, and value have remained the same, even as the formats of the government publications have changed since the FDLP was established in 1813, from paper to microfiche, computer diskettes, VHS tapes, CDs, DVDs, and online documents.
- Legal ground for FDLP: 44 U.S.C. § 19This law has established and authorized the FDLP to ensure the American public has free equal access to government information.
- U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO)GPO is the Federal agency that has the legal authority to publish Federal publications of all three branches.
Since March 23, 1967, Fondren Library is a congressionally designated U.S. Federal Depository Library. Kelley Center works with U.S. Government Publishing Office and 1000+ Federal Depository Libraries across the country to ensure the free and equal public access to the official U.S. Federal government documents and "keep America informed". (Title 44 United States Code). Refer to the Box below "Fondren FDLP Serivces" for information on what's available and how to use it.
"Government information" is a term used to categorize any information disseminated by a government agency. As such, material produced by government bodies at the local, state, federal, and international level, in addition to government-funded institutions and organizations, are all considered government documents. They range from data and statistics, books, maps, articles, databases, laws and regulations, patents and trademarks, to current and historical publications dating to the formation of the United States. They are published in all formats - paper, microform, and electronic.
U.S. Code (44 U.S.C. 1901) defines a government document as "...informational matter which is published as an individual document at government expense or as required by law.” Every governmental division produces documents, images, or artifacts that belong to the citizens of the United States and can be accessed through a variety of means online, by written request, through the Freedom of Information Act [FOIA], or by walking into many institutions and using their libraries or other resource station.
They range from data and statistics, books, maps, articles, databases, laws and regulations, patents and trademarks, to current and historical publications dating to the formation of the United States.
They are published in all formats - paper, microform, and electronic.
THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS:
For research, instruction, innovation, business, innovation and enterpreneurship, community service, civic engagement, or personal life. [ Click here to access the showcase page. - Under construction now]
President Trump arrived at the White House on January 20, 2025.
The White House homepage has been updated—check it out at whitehouse.gov.
Click here to access the latest White House news, links to its articles, fact sheets. briefings and statements, and remarks.
- Presidential Transition (Center for Presidential Transition)• CPT is a nonpartisan source.
• At this website, you will find post-election transition milestones, frequently asked questions about presidential transitions, 2024 transition timeline. - Overview of The 2024 Presidential Election Post-Election ProcessBy America's Cyber Defence Agency
Visit our web page on "Post Election Resources" to learn more.
Please fill out this online form to provide feedback and help us to improve your service experience, Thank you!
Fondren FDLP Services: Who Can Use It
Who can visit and use Kelley Center government information resources and staff services?
Any one can visit and have access to Fondren Library's official government publications in any format. Public access to the government documents collection is guaranteed by public law. (Title 44 United States Code) Our professioanl staff at Kelley Center for Government Information are here to provide you assistance.
FONDREN FDLP Services: How to Use It?
- Email FDLP Representative: jax2@rice.edu
- Call FDLP Representative: (713) 348-6212
- Visit Fondren FDLP research guides' gateway https://libguides.rice.edu/gov
- Register free Fondren FDLP training: Register or Request
- Check out Fondren FDLP Blog: https://ricegovinfo.blogspot.com/
- Visit Kelley Center Department Website: https://library.rice.edu/gov
- Follow News on Kelley Center Department Instagram: instagram.com/ricekelleycenter
- In person: Before you come, read the Information for Kelley Center Visitors to plan your visit.
Free External Library Help for Government Information Questions
Through Government Information Online (GIO) you can ask government information librarians questions on almost any subject from aardvarks to zygomycosis. GIO is a free online information service supported by libraries that participate in the U.S. Government Publishing Office’s Federal Depository Library Program. Many are also official depository libraries for other types of governments and public agencies.