Government Documents

Government documents and publications displayed in the Federal Depository Library collection

Government Documents – Federal Depository Library

What is a Federal Depository Library?

  • A Federal Depository Library is a specialized "library within a library."
  • Federal depository materials are published by the Government Publishing Office (GPO) and distributed free through the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP).
  • Depository libraries agree to receive, house, and provide public access to all distributed materials.
  • This Government Documents Department is a Regional Federal Depository Library. Regional libraries receive all tangible items distributed by GPO through the FDLP. There are only two Regional Depositories in Alabama.

Who Has Access?

  • Access is open to everyone during normal operating hours.
  • Some Federal Depository Libraries operate fully digitally.
  • Many GPO publications are available electronically or exclusively online.

Government Publishing Office (GPO)

The Government Publishing Office (GPO) publishes and distributes materials requested by the federal government.

  • Materials are provided free to depository libraries.
  • Items distributed are declassified publications.
  • Publications may be physical, digital, or web-only.

SUDOC Classification System

The Superintendent of Documents (SUDOC) classification system:

  • Is organized by issuing agency, not by subject or author.
  • The class stem identifies the agency:
    • Department of Agriculture — A
    • Department of the Interior — I
    • Smithsonian Institution — SI
  • The remaining call number identifies publication type, division, and year.

Hours of Operation

Open during regular AUM Library hours.

View current library hours

Staffed typically from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For assistance outside these hours, contact the Reference Desk on the 2nd floor.

Our Collection

Materials are organized using the SUDOC classification system and are available in:

  • Paper
  • Microfiche
  • Electronic formats

Some electronic items replace paper versions. Please ask staff for assistance locating materials.

Map of the Government Documents floor layout showing stacks arranged clockwise from the northeast corner and Legal Reference located to the north.
Government Documents floor layout. Stacks begin in the northeast corner and move clockwise. Legal Reference is located north.

Amenities on This Floor

  • Quiet study space
  • 1 guest computer
  • 3 AUM user computers
  • Legal reference materials
  • 2 microfiche/film readers
  • Large and small study tables
  • Electrical outlets and charging stations
  • Water fountains
  • Restrooms
  • Scanner

Additional Materials Available on This Floor

Legal Reference

Filed under the Library of Congress (LC) classification system and separate from the main Government Documents collection.

Maps and Posters

Located beside the Legal Reference section. Frequently used in library displays.

GPO Ready Reference and GPO Reference

Ranges 1–6 contain GPO reference materials. Range 5B houses the most recent print editions. Many newer editions are available online.