Alexander Library

GPO Access

Thomas

US Census

The Federal Depository Program ensures that participating libraries collect valuable government documents published by the Government Printing Office (GPO). Rutgers University chooses to collect 93% of all federal depository items.

In the 21st century, users can obtain a majority of this information through online sources. GPO Access, a Web site established by federal law, provides free access to information from the three branches of the US Government. Thomas, sponsored by the Library of Congress Web Site, also includes federal legislation. These sites offer dynamic search options that make government documents more clear and accessible.

Yet, as GPO Access began in 1994, users can only access recent documents through online sources. US government documents provide a tremendous value to researchers by enabling them to investigate the government's history through its publications. As the Government Printing Office opened in 1861, these materials capture much of the nation's history. Historical investigation requires use of the print catalogs and bound documents which are arranged according to the Superintendent of Documents classification system. Here are some central print sources:

Monthly Catalog of US Government Publications, 1895-1995- This cornerstone of the government documents collection lists all documents published by GPO during one month. Each volume contains an index. Cumulative subject, title, and personal author indexes help users obtain a broader range of documents on specific topics.

Congressional Record, 1873-present- includes all of the debate in both houses of Congress.

United States Reports- describes Supreme Court cases and features the justices' decisions.

Statutes at Large- includes federal laws.

Federal Register- features Presidential Executive Orders and Proclamations.

United States Census Reports- contain the federal census statistics derived from each decennial census from 1790-1990.

View my Bibliography of Governments Documents on Japanese Internment, 1941-2001. This demonstrates the variety of documents available for a historical topic. Here I used government documents to gain an accurate account of an American program of injustice.